The Fearless Jessica Cannito Makes A Wish

Jessica Cannito is a 17 year old senior from Windsor High School in Jefferson County, Missouri. She has a rare disease that’s shortening her life. Back in April 14, Fox 43 reported Jessica was getting her own graduation ceremony early. She also has one particular wish: to have some sort of contact with her idol, Taylor Swift.

Taylor’s manager was in St, Louis when the story aired. Jessica got a special care package delivered from the Fearless One, as well as an autograph from her and a visit from country artists Steel Magnolia as reported by the Baltimore Sun. I know what you’re thinking. Hold that thought.

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A few days ago, Jessica got her wish. According to Fox2now.com, the Make A Wish foundation is sending Jessica and her family to Moline, Illinois for Taylor’s concert on May 8th. Jessica has also had her graduation ceremony and received the Windsor Way Award for exemplifying honesty, a positive attitude and compassion.

Now, if you read the comments in that last article, you’ll see a lot of people are making assumptions as to why Taylor doesn’t just fly over there and visits the girl. Instead of starting a flame war about things I knew nothing about, I decided to do something different and contacted Taylor’s publicist, Paula Erickson.

I didn’t expect a response back, or even so quick, but I got one. I got to talk on the phone with Paula.

Here’s what I’ve learned. Taylor’s people have been in touch with Jessica Cannito’s family since the moment the story broke out. Taylor works closely with the Make A Wish foundation, because there are lots of kids who want to meet Taylor. As a matter of fact, the Make A Wish foundation brings at least one kid to every single concert. Let me repeat that for you. Taylor Swift meets a kid from the Make A Wish foundation at every single concert.

I didn’t inquire about the specific details for Jessica Cannito. I took a page out of Taylor’s book and trusted someone who was taking the time out of her busy schedule to let me know everything humanly possible was being done. This means everything according not only to Taylor Swift’s schedule but due to Jessica’s own schedule and arrangements for her transportation. This was the earliest date that it could be arranged. I never felt entitled to details or proof or exclusive information. I don’t have any connection with Jessica. I’m not an official news agency.

Furthermore, I had to bring my fan-ness down as many notches as I could during the phone call to remind myself that I was doing this for Jessica and not for myself. Once I learn that Jessica will meet Taylor, I did allow myself to send the ubiquitous “say hi to Taylor for me” salute. I’m sorry, I couldn’t help doing that at the end. What I heard was enough for me.

Of course, that might not be enough for other people who will have their own opinions and may want justifications, schedules and such while feeling entitled to come up with their own theories about events they know nothing about. Yes, Taylor did meet the guys at AHugFromTaylorSwift.com. If you remember correctly, that didn’t just happen either. That took its own time and schedule arrangements as well. No, Taylor’s fame has not gone to her head. But if you’re thinking you can make up reasons for Taylor or Jessica, perhaps her fame has gone to yours.

The Fearless One just finished a concert in Lexington, Kentucky on April 29. Her next stop is Columbia, South Carolina on April 30th.

Last Weeekend left to vote on the first round of the CMT Music Award Nominations! Be sure to vote for Taylor Swift! Voting closes on Monday, May 3. The CMT Music Awards air from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, live 8/7c.

UPDATE! Wish granted! Jessica Cannito meets Taylor Swift!

(Sources: Paula Erickson, Help Jessica Cannito Meet Taylor Swift (Facebook Page), Fox 43, the Baltimore Sun, Fox2now.com, CMT Music Awards)