This photo shows 8-year-old Delaney Brown, whose terminal illness inspired thousands of people to make her wish for a Christmas carol concert come true earlier this month. (MyFoxPhilly.com via family)
A terminally ill Pennsylvania girl who inspired thousands of people to sing Christmas carols outside her home last week has died.
A spokesman for the family of Delaney Brown said that the little girl "passed away quietly with her loving family by her side" early Christmas morning.
Laney, as she was commonly known, was diagnosed in May with acute myeloid leukemia. Earlier this month, doctors told her family that she only had days to live, if not weeks. With the help of the Make-A-Wish Foundation and other supporters, Laney's family set about making as many items on her bucket list come true as possible.
On Saturday, thousands of people -- including family members, friends, and complete strangers -- showed up outside Laney's home in West Reading, Pa. to sing traditional and modern Christmas carols. A photo posted on the "Team Laney" Facebook page showed the little girl giving two thumbs up, while a caption read "I can hear you now!!! Love you!"
The day before, Laney checked another off her list by video-chatting with singer Taylor Swift, who hails from nearby Wyomissing, Pa.
A statement on the Facebook page posted early Wednesday said in part, "My heart breaks right now. Our little angel on earth earned her pink glittery angel wings in heaven ... I miss her so much already."
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