‘A Swiftie Night for Jaida’ celebrates Essex teen’s life and legacy

Fans of Taylor Swift gathered on Sunday, honouring a local Swiftie with a Swift-themed event.

A Taylor Swift-themed concert and fan experience held Sunday in Windsor celebrated the life of 14-year-old Jaida Chartier and raised funds for brain cancer research in her memory.

A Swiftie Night for Jaida filled the Fogolar Furlan Club with music, colour and friendship bracelet-making as part of a fan event and live tribute concert in support of the Jaida Chartier Foundation.

Jaida passed away on July 31, 2024, after a 14-month battle with brain cancer. Her father, Brandon Chartier, says Taylor Swift’s music brought her strength and comfort throughout her treatments.

“Every MRI, every radiation, Taylor Swift played in the background for Jaida,” Chartier said. “She’d be ecstatic to see all these people here to support her. It’s all about her, and she’d be overwhelmed.”

Chartier says the foundation recently signed an agreement with Childhood Cancer Canada and C 17 Council to fund its first research grant for brain cancer in Jaida’s honour.

“She battled it fiercely,” he said. “Every day was a new beginning for her. It was never ‘why me’ — she was just glad to be part of the world, and we’re here to continue our promise to her.”

More than 350 tickets were sold or sponsored for Sunday’s fundraiser, which included interactive stations and a live performance by Love Story: A Tribute to Taylor Swift from Tampa, Fla.

“This is our second event,” Chartier added. “We had a great 5K in May that raised $15,000 toward our cause, and we wanted to throw a huge party for Jaida and raise funds while doing so.”

Proceeds from the event will help fund research into rare childhood cancers such as DMG and provide support for families facing similar challenges.