During Taylor Swift’s performance in Arizona last week, the singer decided to put on a rare performance of her song “Ronan,” according to Today.com.
Among the audience was Maya Thompson, the mom whose son inspired Swift to write the song and the writer of the blog Rockstar Ronan, which reportedly documented the young boy’s cancer battle.
“I wouldn’t know half as much as I know about childhood cancer and childhood cancer research if she hadn’t shared her story about her son, Ronan,” Swift told the audience.
Ronan, the youngest of Thompson’s sons, was reportedly diagnosed with Stage 4 neuroblastoma in August 2010 and passed away in May 9.2011, according to the Ronan Thompson Foundation.
“Ronan” was released as a single shortly after the September 2012 Stand Up to Cancer telethon, and all proceeds from the sales went to benefit cancer charities, according to People. Thompson is reportedly credited as a co-writer on the track, as the entries on her blog were what inspired the track.
In April, Swift reportedly shared on her Tumblr page that her mother had been diagnosed with cancer.
“I would read [the blog] every night. And in it was this account of what it was like to watch cancer take over [your] life,” explained Swift.
“And since then, I’ve had cancer hit really close to me in my family.”
Thompson thanked Swift publicly for her recent performance of “Ronan.”
“I still can’t believe you did this,” read Thompson’s caption.
“This will forever be one of the most special moments of my life. Thank you @taylorswift for your beautiful heart and for never forgetting my Ro. I love you to the moon and back."
