Simon Cancer Center patients sing their way through Taylor Swift concert

One was surprised by a ticket, the other was thrilled she got the green light from her oncologist.

By TJ Banes, IU Health Senior Journalist, tfender1@iuhealth.org

Kaitlin Lutes didn’t know the person who gifted her with a “golden ticket” to the Taylor Swift concert. It was a complete surprise that came to her from someone who learned she is a fan.

Lutes, 21, was diagnosed with lymphoma on July 22. The cancer begins in the lymph system, part of her immune system that helps fight disease. In the care of IU Health’s Dr. Michael Robertson, she received chemotherapy, and at one point ended up hospitalized when she spiked a fever and her white blood cell count dropped. During those five days in the hospital, her hair began falling out, and she relied on the support of her family and friends.

She also leaned on music by one of her favorites - Taylor Swift.

On the first weekend of November, Swift wrapped up her final US show of the Eras Tour performing for record-setting crowds at Lucas Oil Stadium. Lutes was in the crowd. Her ticket came from an anonymous donor.

“I don’t know who it was but I just want to offer a huge thanks,” said Lutes, the oldest daughter of Tabitha and Brian Lutes. She was born in Lafayette, Ind., was raised in upstate New York, and eventually moved to Spokane, Wash. where she graduated in 2022 from Ferris High School. The family moved back to Indiana in August 2022, about a year before she received her cancer diagnosis.

Attending the Swift concert was a dream come true. Lutes wore a black dress and black boots - a nod to Swift’s “Reputation Era.”

“I’m doing amazing since recovering from my last treatment,” said Lutes. “My health is improving every day and I know having Taylor’s music by my side has helped me get better.”

Hannah Everson, 23, was also among the estimated 200,000 people attending three Swift concerts. She bought her tickets long before she became a patient at IU Health Simon Cancer Center. Once she was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), attendance at the concert was uncertain. Her immune system was compromised. AML is a cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. In April, she became a patient of IU Health’s Dr. Larry Cripe who specializes in hematology and oncology.

During her hospital stay, her room was decorated with a disco ball hanging in the corner, a strand of sunflowers draped around her IV pole, and a candle with the phrase, “She’s a Swiftie.” Pictures of the multitalented singer-songwriter lined the walls of Everson’s room.

On her door was a message, “In my BMT Era.”

“I love Taylor. She’s gotten me through a lot,” said Everson. And by “a lot” she means the diagnosis and treatment that landed her in the care of IU Health. Emerson was a typical college student at IU Bloomington, a member of a sorority, studying human biology on a premed track. She volunteers with a campus club called “Royal Encounters,” where she dresses as a Disney Princess to brighten the day of children who are ill. She works as a patient care tech at IU Health Bloomington and volunteers at a camp for children whose parents are diagnosed with cancer.

Then she received her own cancer diagnosis.

After several rounds of chemotherapy, Everson received a stem cell transplant in August and was in the care of Dr. Jennifer Schwartz. Afterward, nurses surprised her with a special visitor, “Taylor Swift,” better known by her peers as nurse Payton Knapp.

When she finally got the green light to attend the concert, Emerson said she’d likely cry through the opening song. She said it was like dream come true.

She chose a “Red Era” dress with matching floral headband. With a big smile on her face, Everson also wore another hint of Swift’s influence. Around her wrist were several friendship bracelets. One read: “Who’s afraid of little old me? Cancer should be.” Another one read: “Good blood.”

“I wore that because I no longer have bad blood,” said Everson.