Delaney Brown, the Pennsylvania girl who inspired thousands of people to join together to sing Christmas carols, passed away Christmas morning. She was eight years old.
Laney was diagnosed with a rare type of leukemia this May. Last week, doctors told her she might have only weeks, or days to live. (Via Reading Eagle)
One of her final wishes: to hear Christmas carols. And the community stepped up.
Thousands of people gathered outside her home to sing her favorite songs — Joy to the World, Jingle Bells and more. Some estimates put the crowd at nearly 10,000 people, including the town’s mayor and a state senator. (Via YouTube / Brian jwphotography)
Though Laney was too weak to greet the carolers, her family posted this photo to her Facebook page with the caption: “I can hear you now!!! Love you!” (Via Facebook / Team Laney)
Making the feat all the more amazing is the fact Laney’s hometown of West Reading has a population of just 4,000.
Another item on her bucket list: to meet pop star Taylor Swift, a native of neighboring Wyomissing. (Via Flickr / Jana Zills)
“Friday night, as her family celebrated her 8th birthday, Laney's wish was granted when the two had a video chat.” (Via WPVI)
In a post on her Facebook page, Laney’s family said she took her last breath at 3:10 am Wednesday morning, surrounded by friends and family. (Via WCAU)
