MADISON, N.C. — Days before Thanksgiving, the Smoot family is experiencing a kind of gratitude they once only hoped for. After spending months in Philadelphia for their daughter Lilah’s medical care, Tyler and Katelynn Smoot returned home to North Carolina with uplifting news: 2-year-old Lila has completed her treatment.

The family’s journey drew national attention earlier this fall when pop star Taylor Swift donated $100,000 in support of Lilah’s battle with stage 4 brain cancer, bringing a wave of support from around the country. Now, the Smoots say they are overwhelmed — in the best possible way.

“It’s been very surreal and overwhelming,” said Katelynn. “We’ve been so blessed to have such an amazing community behind us. It just shows how much people are supporting our family, and it m

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