“You’re everybody’s angel, everybody’s angel, everybody’s angel.
You’re not just another piece of the puzzle, just another wheel in the spoke.”
Those lyrics are from Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patient Dakota’s favourite Down with Webster song, and for one unforgettable moment, the words rang true in a way she never imagined. Thanks to the compassion of the Marotta Family Hospital staff, the Three Wishes Project and the band, Dakota wasn’t a patient – she was celebrated like the ultimate fan she is.
On Thursday, January 23, Dakota experienced a moment that she and her family will treasure forever.
It all started with a conversation between Dakota and her ICU social worker, Mayra Loayza-Bubb. Dakota mentioned she was a dedicated fan of the Canadian band Down with Webster, and Mayra knew just what to do. She turned to Niagara Health’s Three Wishes Project, an initiative dedicated to creating meaningful moments for critically ill patients and their families in their final days.
Dakota has been a fan of the band every since she first heard their song Rich Girl (2009) on Much Music. She recounted happy memories of the more than 10 concerts she attended all over Ontario, from Toronto’s Massey Hall to Sauble Beach. Last year was a full circle moment, when she brought her daughter and son to their first ever Down with Webster concert.
Loayza-Bubb, moved by Dakota’s passion, told her, “While I can’t promise anything, I’ll pass your wish on to the Three Wishes Project team to try to make it happen.”
From there, Francie Davidson, Clinical Manager of Marotta Family Hospital ICU, and Chelsea Smith, administrative assistant, banded together to make this wish come true, not stopping until they reached someone who could make the dream a reality. Together, the determined duo launched into action. “We approached the band through various channels: directly via their website, through social media, and by making several phone calls to the west coast,” said Davidson.
Their hard work paid off and they received an enthusiastic response from the band’s manager after two days, excited to help bring joy to one of their most dedicated fans. “It is difficult to say which method ultimately proved successful, but it is clear that credit is owed to at least a dozen friends, contacts and acquaintances through various degrees of separation,” said Smith.
“One thing is for sure, we weren’t giving up.”
Within hours, a video call was arranged with all five members: Tyler Armes, Patrick Gillett, Cameron Hunter, Andrew “Marty” Martino, and Martin “Bucky” Seja.
A special moment
Dakota and her older sister, Amy, cozied up together in the hospital bed, sharing a heartfelt conversation with the band as they joined virtually from their respective locations in Toronto, Manhattan and Los Angeles, eager to connect.
Dakota shared her journey as a fan, pulling up photos of herself at their concerts over the years. She laughed as she recalled road trips with her sister to see them perform, painstakingly choosing outfits that had just the right number of rips to achieve the perfect “cool” look.
The most emotional moment of the call came when the band played an acoustic version of Dakota’s favorite song, Everyone’s Angels. To top it all off, the band shared two exclusive new songs with Dakota - making her the first fan to hear them.
Following the call, Dakota and her family were filled with many emotions, but completely full of gratitude to staff at Niagara Health and Down with Webster for making this happen.
It was a moment none of them will ever forget. The music, the memories, and the bond with the band were a powerful reminder of how meaningful connections can bring light and comfort during life’s most challenging moments.
For everyone involved, this was a testament to the impact of compassionate care and the unwavering determination to turn a heartfelt wish into reality.
Members of Canadian band Down With Webster Tyler Armes, Patrick Gillett, Cameron Hunter, Andrew “Marty” Martino, and Martin “Bucky” Seja, on a virtual call with Dakota.
