KISS bassist Gene Simmons granted a dying teenager’s wish by visiting him in his hospital bed.
The bassist and singer spent time with 17-year-old Dilan Kohn at the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at the Children’s Hospital of Nevada in Las Vegas last week. Dilan died a few days after Simmons’ visit, but staff have thanked him for making the youngster’s dream come true.
A statement from staff at University Medical Center, where the Children’s Hospital is based, says: “Last week, one of our patients, Dilan Kohn, got his final wish. The critically ill 17-year-old desperately wanted to meet and hang out with the rock’n’roll musician, Gene Simmons, from the band Kiss.
“Mr Simmons had not only been Dilan’s idol, but also his inspiration growing up. Mr Simmons was sent an email request last Thursday afternoon and flew into Vegas the next morning. He showed up with a big bag full of signed memorabilia just for Dilan.
“The two hung out, shared stories and laughed together for well over an hour while staff looked on with tears in their eyes. Thank you Mr Simmons for making this wish come true just in time.
“Unfortunately Dilan passed away peacefully a couple days later.”
Simmons shared the hospital’s statement on his own Facebook page.
additional source: classicrock.teamrock.com
25 Responses
Very cool of Gene indeed. Rest in peace Dilan.
kudos to gene and thanks for posting, dana.
You are welcome Mike and Elliot,
But I also would like to thank Doug R. for telling me about this story. So, thanks Doug R. 🙂
Additionally, I would like to say, I hope this poor baby had a peaceful end.
D 🙂
You’re welcome Dana.
God bless you Dilan, and God bless you Gene for making Dilan’s dream come true.
Gene has always been the nicest, most cordial and most genuine member of Kiss in my opinion. Even in the middle of milling around the Reunion Tour press conference day, when CNN, VH1 etc were hounding the band for a word, he took time to say a few nice and funny things to me and other fans and pose for pictures. Every time I have met him he was just great. I am not surprised he did this kind act.
If Gene had ignored the email or told the hospital he had prior engagements do you think they would have reported that. I just wonder if sometimes the stars do this because they don’t want the negative press if they don’t.
Class my man. I’m the first to bag on Gene for his business dealings,but this proves he’s a good hearted guy. Way to go Demon.