A Pennsylvania community didn’t let the social distancing guidelines put in place to fight the coronavirus pandemic stop them from letting a 17 year-old girl with an inoperable brain tumor know just how loved she is.

Days before Easter, the town of Bedminster created a 520-car parade as a surprise for 17 year-old Maria Middleton, who was recently diagnosed with an inoperable tumor on her brain stem. NBC 10 Philadelphia reported that the teenager was able to watch the parade, which lasted for over an hour, from her home, and she immediately felt the love.

“The thing that made it easier for me, that kind of distracted me was the amount of love and prayers that I have received, because I could just feel it,” Maria said afterwards. “Like I could almost feel I was being lifted up by all the prayers, and that helps deal with everything.”

Since everyone remained in their vehicles and Maria stayed in her home, the parade was in full compliance with social distancing guidelines. Coronavirus has taken a lot from us, but this community was not about to let it take away their opportunity to show their support for this courageous young lady!

Things got even better for Maria on Wednesday, when her brother tweeted to Hollywood star Ryan Reynolds of Deadpool fame about her.

“Hey [Ryan Reynolds], mind if you can give some words of encouragement to my 17-year old sister?” tweeted Maria’s brother. “Maria is courageously fighting an inoperable brain tumor. 520 vehicles surprised her this weekend with a parade in our community! Thanks for considering.”

Within hours, Reynolds responded, writing, “Can you open your DM’s so I can send a video for Maria?”

Can you open your DM’s so I can send a video for Maria?

— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) April 16, 2020

Reynolds is known for his down-to-earth nature and his willingness to perform acts of kindness. Just last week, we reported that he generously donated $1 million to food banks helping those affected by coronavirus.

With all of our lives turned upside down right now because of COVID-19, it’s easy to forget that there are people out there who have it a whole lot worse than those of us who are healthy. Please join us in saying a prayer for Maria as she continues to fight for her life!