Sixteen-year-old Krystel had already enjoyed some surprises on her wish to meet My Chemical Romance and was excitedly awaiting the next part – seeing the dramatic, hard-rocking band perform live.
As she stood chatting with the band’s five members, they took a look at her concert tickets. Almost in unison, they began shaking their heads as if to say, “No, this won’t do.”
Instead of leading Krystel and her entourage to their assigned seats, the band – Gerard Way, Mikey Way, Frank Iero, Ray Toro and Bob Bryar – escorted them to a roped-off area where the crew would orchestrate the show’s sound and lighting. The exclusive viewpoint provided another thrill for Krystal on this amazing wish granted by the band from New York.
After being diagnosed with lymphoma, Krystal told volunteers from the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Georgia & Alabama chapter that meeting the members of My Chemical Romance was her fondest wish. In September of 2007, she was on her way to to spend some time with the band and take in one of their fiery stage performances.
Her day backstage began with dinner and a limousine ride to The Arena at Gwinnett Center for a show supporting My Chemical Romance’s third album, The Black Parade. The band’s manager met Krystel and her family and quickly lead them through the maze of security checkpoints and into the arena’s depths, just outside the dressing rooms of her favorite band. Soon, the dressing room doors opened and the band lined up to greet Krystel.
All five were eager to autograph items for her and ask questions about her favorite tunes. Lead singer Gerard Way even draped her in his black stage jacket.
“I thought Krystel was going to levitate,” a volunteer wish granter said later.
My Chemical Romance completed Krystel’s wish with a complete backstage tour, including the secret ramp where they make their entrance to start each show. Her stage-center view from the production stand gave her a great look at the band’s dynamic show. When she headed home that night in a limo, she had an evening full of incredible sights, sounds and memories hanging out with her favorite band.
By Justin Schmid
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That's so great for you Krystel! I'm so glad you had the time of your life, it's great to listen to music but you took a far step meeting the makers of the music. Great wish!!!
- Ryan 01/25/2008 9:03 -
I'm glad you got your wish of meeting that band! I'm glad your wish came true and hopefully all your other ones will too.
- Veronica 12/03/2007 13:55 -
I wept openly in my kitchen as I read the amazing story of Krystel and her journey with My Chemical Romance. What a wonderful, powerful gift to give her, as well as all of these precious children. Thank you all so much, who give money and time to such a meaningful charity. I have never been so impressed by a charity. It seems the money really does get spent on the children. Thank you again.
- Tammy 04/18/2008 18:35 -
This story made me so emotional. This young girl is my hero. Not only do we both love this band, but she is an outstanding example of what I am trying to do. She wanted to feel normal for a couple hours of her life and that's what I wish for too. I have diabetes and I hope my wish comes true like hers. Thanks, Krystal, for being my inspiration.
- Morgan 06/23/2008 10:12 -
Wow... my brother, who loves MCR, was totally excited by this. It surprises me. I wouldn't think they'd be the kind of band who'd treat her so fantastically! Go them :)
- Lena Rose 07/22/2008 22:31 -
Aww, that's awesome. They've been my favorite band for three years.
- Chelsea 07/14/2008 15:03 -
I can't believe that anyone would have preconceived ideas of what a band will/or won't do. I have heard many good things about My Chem - and this is the best : ) Thanks guys for making this girls wish come true! Awesome : )
- Sherry 07/24/2008 15:10 -
I teared up reading this. Truly amazing and very touching. Congrats Krystel on getting a wish granted. This just shows what an amazing and truly caring band My Chemical Romance is, taking time to grant a someone such an amazing and one-of-a-kind experience.
- Roxxi 10/04/2008 10:35
© 2006 Make-A-Wish Foundation® of America