Watch CBS News

Local Woman's Photo With Tim McGraw Goes Viral

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- The voice of country music star Tim McGraw emanates from a radio on the desk of Burns White paralegal, Shirlene Borsos.

It's a source of comfort as she bears up under chemotherapy treatments for breast cancer.

"There have been times that I sat on my couch in the evenings and thought I can't do this anymore," she says. "I just can't. I don't have the energy. I've pulled every bit of strength from the tips of my toes, and I'm tired."

Her boss, attorney Dan Donahoe, says the diagnosis was made seven months ago.

"After a short period of time, she was just back to being Shirlene," he said. "You wouldn't even know the difference. Her attitude is wonderful, so we're very proud of her."

A wig hides effects of chemotherapy. But she opted for a ball cap when Tim McGraw came to town.

Shirlene and her teenage daughter were part of an overflow crowd that caught the country star's concert in Burgettstown Saturday night.

It was a concert that culminated in a moment to remember.

As McGraw sang the song he'd written for his late father, Shirlene says, "Having gone through this, I took my cap off and I held it to my chest like this for him. And that's when he walked to the edge of the stage and called me over, and bent down and kissed my head."

Ohioville resident Nicole Gailey captured the moment in a cell phone shot seen round the world.

"I realized that no one's going to get this picture because they're all in awe," she said. "So, I just snapped the picture."

Shirlene's Facebook page lit up, and the photograph became an Internet sensation.

"I just feel empowered," she says. "Strength. Strength to fight."

RELATED LINKS:
More Local News
More Reports from Dave Crawley

Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.