Tonya and Tyler Raaf from Holton faced an alarming health crisis when they rushed their 13-year-old daughter, Tinley, to Holton Community Hospital on November 29. Tinley exhibited severe lethargy, struggled to communicate, and was unable to remain awake, prompting concern from her parents. As noted by her mother, Tonya, Tinley’s gaze seemed distant, as if she were looking through them. Tragically, shortly after her arrival at the hospital, Tinley fell into a coma.
She was subsequently transferred to Children’s Mercy Hospital in Overland Park, where she remained in a coma for five days. Remarkably, Tinley awoke from her coma and began her recovery journey. This eighth-grader from Holton Middle School was diagnosed with meningitis and encephalitis due to Mycoplasma pneumoniae, a type of community-spread pneumonia, as revealed by a GoFundMe page set up by a friend of the family.
Following her waking, Tinley started to regain her strength almost immediately; she was speaking the next day and began eating soon after. Her mother, Tonya, has been by her side throughout this ordeal in the hospital, while her father, Tyler, manages their home life and son, Tye, 11, but makes the daily 90-minute drive to visit Tinley. Reflecting on this challenging experience, Tyler expressed his gratitude and humility, labeling the entire situation as a “scary roller coaster.”
The Raaf family holds hopes of returning home just in time for the holiday season, which would be a welcome relief after their ordeal.
In a heartwarming twist, Tinley, who is an ardent fan of Taylor Swift, got the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet the superstar. During Swift’s visit to the hospital, she took time to interact with several children, including Tinley. They engaged in conversation about Tinley’s favorite Kansas City Chiefs players, including Travis Kelce, whom Swift is dating, as well as Patrick Mahomes. The interaction was brief but meaningful, lasting about five minutes, during which Swift gifted Tinley a signed copy of her “Eras Tour” book.
Tinley shared with Swift that Santa Claus had visited the hospital and revealed her wish for a Dyson airwrap blow dryer. To Tinley’s surprise, the following morning, a beautifully wrapped gift arrived at her hospital room: a Dyson airwrap blow dryer along with a handwritten note from Taylor Swift, which read, “T, in case Santa doesn’t come through… love, Taylor.” Tonya expressed her gratitude for Swift’s considerate gesture, noting the uniqueness and special nature of the gift, emphasizing that it was not just an ordinary present, but something truly meaningful.
Tonya also praised Swift’s interaction with the children, highlighting how the singer made each child feel special and attended to their individual needs.
This story touches on themes of resilience, hope, and the extraordinary kindness that can emerge in difficult times. It serves to remind us that even amidst health struggles, bright moments can surface, bringing joy and connection. There is hope that Tinley will continue to make strides in her recovery, allowing her and her family to celebrate the holidays together, fortified by their shared experiences and the unexpected joy brought by a pop superstar.