Nova Scotia girl battling rare disease pampered with Swiftie spa day
A Nova Scotia girl battling a rare disease recently had her “Wildest Dreams” fulfilled when she was pampered with a Swiftie salon day.
Olivia Demone, 11, has ataxia telangiectasia, or A-T, which affects her mobility and immune system.
Her mom says, as Olivia gets older, the genetic disease continues to progress.
“She’s a fun, happy girl. She makes everyone laugh, she has a contagious smile, that’s the first thing everybody always notices about her,” said Amy Demone.
Amy says some of Olivia’s favourite things include camping, hanging out with her dogs, her cousin, and of course, Taylor Swift. Olivia says her favourite song by Taylor Swift would have to be “Fortnight.”
Olivia was recently surprised by family and a local salon with a “Taylor Swift Day,” where they pampered and glammed her up.
Eleven-year-old Olivia Demone is pampered at a Taylor Swift-themed spa day in the Halifax area. (CTV Atlantic/Mike Lamb)
“Unfortunately, we couldn’t get her to a Taylor Swift concert, so we thought we could bring Taylor Swift to the salon and treat her really extra special for today,” said Nicole Sutherland with Shades of Color in Bedford, N.S.
“It was important to make her feel good, and we wanted to just do anything that we could do to treat her good and make her feel important.”
The “Fearless” Olivia had her hair curled, nails painted, and makeup done during her surprise salon day – leaving her looking “Gorgeous.”
As part of the special day, salon staff all came together to give Olivia a memorable day.
“All the staff was so excited to come up and help, and team up, and wear all their Taylor Swift outfits, and really excited to just participate in today and make her feel extra special,” said Sutherland.
Olivia Demone, 11, is pictured with the team that made her Taylor Swift spa day come to life. (CTV Atlantic/Mike Lamb)
Amy says, although shocked at first, Olivia ended up having “The Best Day.”
“I think it’s wonderful. I’m really grateful for everybody for pulling this off for her.”
For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Weekend announcements narrow field of high-profile Liberal leadership prospects
As a race to elect a new Liberal leader quickly approaches, a high-profile candidate appears set to throw their hat into the ring.
Canadians' financial stress ramping up despite interest rate cuts: insolvency firm
Half of Canadians are $200 or less away from being unable to cover their monthly bills and debt payments, according to MNP Ltd.'s quarterly report on consumer debt.
BREAKING
BREAKING Magnitude 6.9 earthquake rattles southwestern Japan, followed by tsunami warnings
Japan Meteorological Agency reports a 6.9 magnitude quake in southwestern Japan and issues a tsunami warning.
Los Angeles wildfire death toll surges to 24 as firefighters brace for more fierce winds
After a weekend spent blocking the explosive growth of fires that destroyed thousands of homes and killed at least 24 people in the Los Angeles area, firefighters got a slight break with calmer weather but cast a wary eye on a forecast for yet more wind.
Alberta premier Danielle Smith meets with Trump at impromptu Mar-a-Lago visit
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith met with U.S. president-elect Donald Trump Saturday at Mar-a-Lago in Florida.
Are there U.S. military bases and American troops in Canada?
The U.S. military has more than 165,000 troops deployed in over 170 countries and territories, including Canada.
'Big Brother is watching you': Collector's coin marks George Orwell's death 75 years ago
A commemorative coin featuring the image of an eye and the inscription "Big Brother is watching you" is being released to pay tribute to "Nineteen Eighty-four" author George Orwell and mark his death 75 years ago.
'Hell on Earth': Canadians forced to evacuate homes as L.A. wildfires continue
Ottawa rapper Khalid Omar, who performs under the name TwoTiime, was forced to evacuate his Calabasas condo as wildfires tore through the Los Angeles area this week, leaving the studio where he records in ruins.
Costco Canada accused of overcharging online shoppers in class-action lawsuit
Perrier Attorneys says Costco charged more for items online than in-store, a practice known as “double ticketing,” which is banned under the Competition Act.
Toronto
-
BREAKINGBREAKING 9-year-old boy dead after crash on QEW in Oakville: OPP
A single-vehicle crash on the Queen Elizabeth Way in Oakville has left a nine-year-old child dead, Ontario Provincial Police say.
-
Toronto police investigating pair of stabbings in Etobicoke
Police are searching for several suspects following two separate stabbings in Etobicoke on Sunday night.
-
Elderly woman pronounced deceased following two-vehicle collision in Vaughan
A woman in her 80s has died following a two-vehicle collision in Vaughan on Sunday afternoon, say police.
Calgary
-
Alberta premier Danielle Smith meets with Trump at impromptu Mar-a-Lago visit
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith met with U.S. president-elect Donald Trump Saturday at Mar-a-Lago in Florida.
-
Hit-and-run on Tsuut’ina First Nation critically injures two pedestrians
Tsuut'ina police need your help as officers investigate a hit and run that sent two people to hospital where they are listed in critical but stable condition.
-
Homicide investigation underway after man found dead in downtown Calgary
A homicide investigation is underway after a man was found dead early Sunday morning.
Edmonton
-
Alberta premier Danielle Smith meets with Trump at impromptu Mar-a-Lago visit
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith met with U.S. president-elect Donald Trump Saturday at Mar-a-Lago in Florida.
-
Minister says dozens of firefighters from Alberta and B.C. to deploy in California
Emergency Preparedness Minister Harjit Sajjan says dozens of firefighters from Alberta and British Columbia will help fight wildfires in California, and the federal government is co-ordinating efforts with the provinces to deploy resources.
-
Outdoor tournament held in 'perfect setting' as part of Edmonton minor hockey week
A pond hockey tournament for players in the under-9 age category at Cattail Crossing Golf Club in west Edmonton was "the perfect setting" for the outdoor extravaganza.
Montreal
-
Bishop's students allege teacher uses degrading terms, university doing nothing
Students at Bishop's University in Sherbrooke, Que., say they're shocked and appalled by the school's apparent lack of action over a teacher they allege has been using derogatory language in her classroom for years.
-
Quebec Liberal Party leadership race officially begins
The Quebec Liberal Party leadership race is officially getting underway.
-
Shots fired at a home on Montreal's West Island
Multiple shots were fired at a home in Dollard-des-Ormeaux on Montreal's West Island.
Ottawa
-
Ottawa parents voice concerns about possible phase out of some OCDSB special needs classes
Eastern Ontario's largest school board is making some major changes to how elementary students will learn in both English and French, but the new model could also mean the end of nearly 40 specialized classes, including special needs programs.
-
'But my dad needs the car for work': G2 driver stopped for stunt driving on Ottawa road
The Ottawa Police Service's Traffic Escort and Enforcement Unit says an officer observed an 18-year-old driver going 125 km/h on Bronson Avenue on Sunday. The speed limit is 70 km/h.
-
Ottawa police arrest suspect in Heron Gate grocery store stabbing
The Ottawa Police Service is investigating a stabbing at Herongate Square on Saturday evening.
London
-
Young woman kidnapped from her Sarnia home, held against her will
A young woman in Sarnia was kidnapped and threatened with an axe following a violent break and enter in the city on Friday.
-
Police warn of counterfeit bills circulating in Woodstock
According to Woodstock police, two women were apprehended circulating counterfeit bills at stores in the city this week.
-
London's Jim 'The Gentleman' Long wins his way onto pro darts tour
Long secured his tour status by defeating England's John Brown 6-0 in the semifinal before downing Wales' Kevin O'Keefe 6-4 in the final.
Barrie
-
Police appeal for help locating missing Barrie teen
Barrie police are asking for the public’s help in finding 14-year-old Destiny, who has been reported missing.
-
Teen's road test halted by stunt driving charge
A 17-year-old driver failed their road test before it even began after being stopped by police in a community safety zone.
-
Lone sailor trapped in ice sparks concern in Southern Georgian Bay
A lone sailor living on a sailboat trapped in the Georgian Bay ice has sparked concern among Penetanguishene residents.
Northern Ontario
-
BREAKINGBREAKING Pedestrian killed in Naughton area crash in Greater Sudbury
Greater Sudbury police are investigating after a pedestrian was hit by a vehicle and died in the Naughton area Monday morning.
-
Two charged with first-degree murder, arson in northern Ont.
A man and a woman from Blind River have been charged with first-degree murder and a third person has been charged with accessory to murder after the fact.
-
Traffic stop on a pickup results in charges for suspended driver, company
Ontario Provincial Police stopped a pickup truck in Kapuskasing resulting in multiple charges for the driver as well as the company that owned the vehicle.
Kitchener
-
WaterLAN Esport Tournament showcases inclusivity and growth in Waterloo Region: organizers
The Waterloo Region is stepping into the esports spotlight this weekend with the WaterLAN E-sports Tournament, a provincial collegiate invitational hosted by the University of Waterloo and Conestoga College.
-
Trudeau says Trump's comments on 51st state 'flattering' but a 'non-starter'
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says talk of Canada becoming the 51st state is a distraction from more pressing threats of U.S tariffs on Canada and their likely impact.
-
Death toll continues to rise as fire crews try to corral Los Angeles blazes before winds return this week
After a weekend spent blocking the explosive growth of fires that destroyed thousands of homes as the death toll continues to rise in the Los Angeles area.
Windsor
-
Windsor councillor claims Tunnel bus 'bleeding money'
Windsor City Council will meet Monday morning for the first meeting of the new year, and for the first time since mayor Drew Dilkens tabled the 2025 city budget.
-
Mayor of Kingsville prioritizing solution for three vacant schools in 2025
Dennis Rogers was one of three local mayors at the 16th annual Mayors Breakfast on Friday morning and provided Kingsville's 2025 Forecast in front of the Leamington District Chamber of Commerce.
-
UWindsor researcher looks to make Canada a leader in microchips
Dr. Jalal Ahamed’s work in partnership with Montreal-based company Stathera Inc., looks to develop an ultra-precise resonating oscillator to provide the stable reference frequency key to the operation of modern computer chips.
Winnipeg
-
'He was a genius': Family remembers man who died waiting for care in Winnipeg ER
The sister of a man who died waiting for care in the emergency department of Winnipeg’s Health Sciences Centre (HSC) is remembering her late brother as an intelligent person with a bold personality
-
High-risk offender back behind bars
A high-risk offender, who was recently released from jail, is back behind bars.
-
Contrasts start to take shape in leadership race for Manitoba's Opposition Tories
The battle for the leadership of the Manitoba Progressive Conservatives is three months from being decided, and the two men vying for the role are laying out different paths to try to reignite the party voted out of office in the last election.
Regina
-
Team Canada takes gold at U18 women's hockey worlds, Sask.'s Zablocki leads scoring
For the third time in four years, Canada has brought home gold from the Under-18 Women's World Championships – with help from Saskatchewan's own Stryker Zablocki.
-
'It gives me freedom': Local organization giving people with disabilities chance to hit the slopes
The Regina Ski Club is ensuring everyone has a chance to hit the slopes this winter.
-
Extreme cold warning issued for Regina, southeast Sask.
Much of central and southeastern Saskatchewan is now under extreme cold warnings as a cold front makes its way across the province.
Saskatoon
-
Police responded to serious crash in southern Saskatoon Sunday
A serious crash in south Saskatoon closed the intersection of Preston Avenue South and Stonebridge Common on Sunday.
-
Extreme cold blankets, Saskatoon, Prince Albert, parts of northern Sask.
An especially chilly Sunday is forecasted for several regions across Saskatchewan – as extreme cold warnings come into effect.
-
'Everybody wins': Saskatoon SPCA garage sale makes room for fundraising
Garage sale season started a little early in Saskatoon this year. The SPCA held a garage sale Saturday to make use of some its more abundant gently used donations that might go unused.
Vancouver
-
Woman rescued after ‘bum sliding’ down West Vancouver mountain and fracturing ankle
Hikers are being warned of the dangers of using “bum sliding” as a means to descend mountains after the seemingly fun and safer mode of travel landed one woman in hospital.
-
Meet Franklin, the rescued tortoise who spent the last three months in a B.C. fridge
Franklin the tortoise has been in a fridge for the past 15 weeks.
-
Police search for vehicle involved in Langley hit-and-run
Langley RCMP are issuing a fresh call for witnesses after identifying a vehicle believed to be linked to a hit-and-run that took place in November.
Vancouver Island
-
B.C. fire crews sent to fight Los Angeles wildfire: forests minister
British Columbia’s forests minister says a crew from the province’s wildfire service left for California Saturday afternoon to help battle the wildfires ravaging the Los Angeles area.
-
Meet Franklin, the rescued tortoise who spent the last three months in a B.C. fridge
Franklin the tortoise has been in a fridge for the past 15 weeks.
-
Florence Girard was 55 pounds when she starved in home-share. Her sister wants change
The sister of a British Columbia woman with Down syndrome who starved to death in a Port Coquitlam home in 2018 says she believes more people will die if systemic changes aren't made to how people with developmental disabilities are treated.
Kelowna
-
West Kelowna fire chief says L.A. devastation a haunting reminder of B.C. blaze
The fire chief of a British Columbia community devastated by a fast-moving wildfire in 2023 says it's "haunting" to see similar circumstances playing out in Southern California.
-
1 hospitalized, residents displaced after Kelowna apartment fire
Firefighters knocked down a blaze on the third floor of a low-rise apartment building near downtown Kelowna Monday afternoon.
-
Lost skiers rescued off B.C. mountain
Search and rescue volunteers in B.C.’s Okanagan successfully reunited two skiers with their family Friday evening.
