Swiftie surprise for patient at Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — A 12-year-old patient at Riley Hospital for Children got an unforgettable surprise this holiday season thanks to a hospital team determined to lift his spirits and his love for American singer-son gwriter Taylor Swift. A caregiver group at the hospital found a creative way to bring comfort, joy and a little Swiftie magic right to the bedside Henry Hinson. Henry’s nurses and patient care techs performed “The Life of Henry,” their version of Swift’s song “The Life of a Showgirl” from her 2025 album of the same name. Maddie Rodriguez, a child life specialist at the downtown Indianapolis hospital, said, “Every patient and family we meet, we get to really know who they are as a person first, and so, for Henry, knowing his love of Taylor Swift, the best part of our job is being able to use creative ways to kind of make that magic happen for our patients.” Henry is a big Swiftie, and Rodriguez, who organized it along with about 10 staffers, wanted to do something to make him smile during his stay. They decorated his room with all things Swift. He also enjoyed a special watch party for Swift’s “End of an Era” docuseries, complete with decorations, laugher and treats. Rodriguez said, “Oh, Henry, he is just a light. His personality is just unmatched. He is just, even in really hard times, he is positive and brings joy to situations. His sense of humor is probably one of the the most funniest things ever.” Rodriguez said even though the party was just in Henry’s room, he and his mom made sure none of the other kids on the floor were left out: “Outside their room they had sunglasses, and bracelets and photo op signs and so a lot of our kids walked by his room throughout the day and were able to pick out their glasses, and Henry’s mom even made custom glasses for some of the kids.” “It’s pretty cool that all of our staff at Riley come together to find what our kids love to make our kids comfortable, and they really go all in to make those moments special.” Rodriguez says Henry’s family was in the giving spirt for the season, and Henry and his brother asked that instead of receiving gifts for themselves, people donate supplies to the child life team at the hospital. Swift’s last visit to Indianapolis, her concerts from Nov. 1-3, 2024, at Lucas Oil Stadium, marked the end of her Eras Tour. PHOTOS: Taylor Swift at Lucas Oil Stadium – Night One Taylor Swift’s arrival in Indianapolis creates citywide celebration Statement “Child life specialists often work with a very limited budget, but the work they do is so incredibly important. I’m just incredibly grateful that the internet gets to see the work that really goes into loving children through critical illness.” Erin Hinson, mother of Henry Hinson ...read more read less