Kristen MacDonald, left, and her crew of friends from Stephenville went to the Rogers Center in Toronto without tickets. But, they were armed with signs, friendship bracelets and ambition to score seats to see Taylor Swift. (Submitted by Kristen MacDonald)
Getting to see Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour on home soil is a once in a lifetime opportunity, some Canadian Swifties say.
But for Kristen MacDonald of Stephenville, the chance to do so was more important than ever.
MacDonald has Stage 4 breast cancer and seeing Swift in concert was at the top of her bucket list.
However, getting tickets wasn’t easy.
But that didn’t deter MacDonald from trying. She and four friends took the chance and flew to Toronto during Swift’s recent stop — without tickets and armed with ambition.
“My message is more about just living every day, and you know, don’t wait to do the things you want to do,” said MacDonald. “I don’t know if I’m going to be well enough to do all the things I want to do in six months.”
The squad geared up and headed to Rogers Centre, still without their tickets. They had signs with them that read “We need tickets please,” and “Romeo save me, we need tickets.”
“We were on a mission,” said MacDonald.
Eventually, a family from the United States — who had upgraded their tickets — noticed the group of women. They offered to sell their extras.
MacDonald and a breast cancer oncologist from the United States shared an emotional connection during their chance encounter at the Era’s Tour in Toronto. (Submitted by Kristen MacDonald)
While purchasing the tickets from the family, MacDonald mentioned that seeing Swift was on her bucket list, and that she had breast cancer.
Coincidentally, the father was a breast cancer oncologist.
“It was just like this connection that him and I had right away,” said MacDonald. “And then of course I was crying, and then we were just all like hugging, and it was very sweet.”
Swift has become an important artists to millions around the world since the beginning of her career.
MacDonald said she’s no exception, becoming a critical piece of her life five years ago during the COVID-19 pandemic and rediagnosis when Swift began releasing new music.
“It kind of really helped me kind of get through all those tough times because her stuff is so uplifting and it just kind of got me through it,” she said.
As for the show itself, MacDonald says it was worth the effort.
“It was spectacular. The effects were amazing, her stamina is amazing, the music was amazing,” said MacDonald. “She’s just really genuine and down to earth.”
Download our free CBC News app to sign up for push alerts for CBC Newfoundland and Labrador. Sign up for our daily headlines newsletter here. Click here to visit our landing page.