Viral Costume Brings Taylor Swift Fan to Eras Tour in a BraunAbility Van

CUSTOMER STORY

Viral Costume Brings Taylor Swift Fan to Eras Tour in a BraunAbility Van

“The vehicle really is life-changing. It gives you the freedom and ability to move about in your daily life that a typical car maybe doesn't afford.”

Eleven-year-old Henry Hinson first caught international attention when he dressed as one of Taylor Swift's dancers for Halloween. After watching the movie "Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour," Henry spent nearly a year looking forward to Halloween when he could show off his costume. Featuring oversized fans and pastel-colored outfits, the dancers' costumes that concealed Swift before the show's opening number, "Miss Americana," inspired Henry's costume.

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Erin Hinson, from Kentucky

Getting a wheelchair accessible vehicle really changed the game for us because we can get Henry safely to all the things he wants to participate in.

Erin Hinson, from Kentucky

He feels more comfortable, confident and independent in his power wheelchair, but we couldn't get that into our regular vehicle,

Erin Hinson, from Kentucky

A Night to Remember

Henry's mother, Erin, brought the idea to life using pool noodles and fabric to construct a large fan. She also spray painted a hazmat suit to replicate the dancers' pastel costumes.

A TikTok video of Henry showing off the costume was viewed by millions, eventually catching the attention of Taylor Nation, Swift's marketing team. After receiving a message from Taylor Nation offering tickets to an Eras Tour show, Henry and his mother traveled from Louisville, Kentucky, to Indianapolis, Indiana, to attend one of the final stops on the tour.

A BraunAbility Chrysler Pacifica made the concert trip possible by allowing Henry to travel safely and comfortably in his power wheelchair.

Wheelchair Vans Impact Families

Before having an accessible vehicle, the Hinsons had to lift their son in and out of the car.

"Henry would have to be transferred from his power wheelchair. He would have to take his manual wheelchair. Henry has a lot of trouble with his shoulders when he uses a manual wheelchair. He feels more comfortable, confident and independent in his power wheelchair, but we couldn't get that into our regular vehicle," Hinson said.

As Henry grew older, those transfers became increasingly difficult.

"As he was getting older, it was getting harder and not as safe to transfer him from his wheelchair to the car. Getting a wheelchair accessible vehicle really changed the game for us because we can get Henry safely to all the things he wants to participate in," she said.

Even just removing the barrier of having to transfer Henry from one seat to another seat, that's a victory for us because he can now just wheel into the van.

- Erin Hinson

The Transition to a Wheelchair Van

The Hinsons first purchased a BraunAbility RAM ProMaster equipped with a side-entry lift. While it met their transportation needs, the family later decided they wanted a smaller vehicle for everyday travel and transitioned to a wheelchair accessible van.

Their current vehicle features a side-entry power infloor ramp and a wheelchair securement system that allows Henry to enter the vehicle independently and ride safely while remaining in his power wheelchair.

"I think about what our family goes through on a daily basis. To remove any barriers is a win. Even just removing the barrier of having to transfer Henry from one seat to another seat, that's a victory for us because he can now just wheel into the van. We clip him in and he's safe, and that offers peace of mind," Hinson said.

The Road Trip to See a Concert

For the Hinson family, the trip to Indianapolis to see Swift perform live amplified the importance of having accessible transportation to allow Henry to participate fully in experiences that matter to him. Rather than worrying about transfers or travel logistics, the family could focus on making memories together.

The vehicle has even earned two nicknames over the years: "Patty Pacifica," a playful nod to the vehicle's model, and "The Getaway Car," a reference to Swift's popular song from her "Reputation" album.

When asked to describe seeing Swift perform after months of anticipation, Hinson summed up the experience in one word.

"Amazing," she said.

Finding Independence with a Wheelchair Van

Although the Eras Tour was one of the family's most memorable trips, often the Hinsons are listening to Swift's music in the car while they drive their son to and from cheer practices, doctor's appointments and church activities. The family also relies on the vehicle to visit relatives and travel to Cape San Blas, Florida, for their annual spring break trip.

No matter the destination, Hinson emphasized the impact an accessible vehicle has had on her family. When asked what she wants others who are considering purchasing an accessible vehicle to know, she said, "Do it. The vehicle really is life-changing. It gives you the freedom and ability to move about in your daily life that a typical car maybe doesn't afford."

The Hinson Family is supported by BraunAbility and their local dealer, Superior Van & Mobility in Louisville, KY. When you purchase a Mobility product from BraunAbility, you join a powerful community. 

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