WEST READING, Pa. --
A terminally ill eastern Pennsylvania girl who received support from
thousands of Christmas carolers over the weekend has died.
Family spokesman Christopher Winters says 8-year-old
Delaney Brown of West Reading "passed away quietly with her loving
family by her side" early Christmas morning. He says the family is requesting privacy now "to celebrate their daughter's life and to mourn her loss."
Delaney, nicknamed Laney, was diagnosed in May with a rare form of leukemia.
Thousands gathered outside her home Saturday night to fulfill her wish for a huge holiday singalong.
An update posted on the "Team Laney" Facebook page says, "My heart breaks right now. Our little angel on earth earned her pink glittery angel wings in heaven. ... I miss her so much already."
Laney made a wish for her neighbors to lift their voices in holiday songs after doctors recently gave her days to live.
"Especially with this time of the year, with her birthday yesterday and Christmas next week, I can't even fathom what they're going through," said Mayor Shane Keller, West Reading.
Tens of thousands have liked her "Team Laney" Facebook page where her family posted updates on her condition.
"Just the different stories her mother has posted regularly showing her strength, her courage, her humor - this is heartbreaking. All she wants is carols and we can do that," said Megan McGee.
Another wish Laney had was to meet pop star and Berks County native Taylor Swift.
Friday night, as her family celebrated her 8th birthday, Laney's wish was granted when the two had a video chat.
Laney was also recognized by the Pennsylvania State Senate and House of Representatives as an ambassador of hope and inspiration as she brings more awareness to childhood cancer.
As so many people walked by Laney's family, including her mother, Team Laney posted a picture saying "I can hear you now...love you."
It's safe to say the little girl heard more than Christmas carols - she heard prayers from the community.
"Just to put her mark on the world as she did in these 8 years is something that I think should make her family very proud," said Melanie Searfoss.
Laney's mother and father thanked the community for its overwhelming support.
(Copyright ©2013 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)