Taylor Swift invites New Jersey teen with cancer to award show

SOMERDALE, N.J. – Country-pop star Taylor Swift said Friday she won't be able to accept a prom invitation from Kevin McGuire, a New Jersey teen undergoing treatment for leukemia, but offered to take him to an awards show instead

The 22-year-old singing star was apologetic, but in a post on her Facebook page said, "I'm so sorry but I won't be able to make it to your prom. But I was wondering, the ACM [Academy of Country Music ] Awards are coming up. Would you be my date?"

McGuire's sister, Victoria, had launched a Facebook petition earlier this week to get her 18-year-old brother a date with Swift for his June 1 prom at Sterling High School in Somerdale, N.J.

"Nothing, and I mean NOTHING brightens Kevin's day more than Taylor Swift. Kevin DESERVES more than anyone a special event in his life," his sister wrote on the event's page, amassing more than 90,000 fans.

"The one thing he wants is to GO TO PROM WITH TAYLOR SWIFT! Let's make this happen people! TAYLOR PLEASE GO TO PROM WITH KEVIN!!!!!!" she added.

McGuire is currently being treated for a relapse of leukemia, which he was diagnosed with five years ago, at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

The Academy of Country Music awards show will be held April 1 in Las Vegas. Swift has been nominated for three awards including Entertainer of the Year and Female Vocalist of the Year.
McGuire has yet to respond to the counteroffer from the "You Belong With Me" crooner.

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