LEWISTON — The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at St. Mary’s Health System recently teamed up with the Dream Foundation to help patient, John Wing, fulfill his dream of seeing his favorite band, ZZ Top, in concert.

Wing was suffering from stage 3A lung cancer that worsened. Wing had played in a band with his late brother and hoped to attend a ZZ Top concert in June 2016 to celebrate his brother’s life but was too sick to attend.

When Agnieszka ‘Aga’ Smith, oncology social worker at St. Mary’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, became aware of John’s wish, she contacted the Dream Foundation. The foundation serves terminally ill adults and their families by fulfilling end-of-life dreams that offer inspiration, comfort and closure.

“Initially, we really weren’t sure we could get John’s wish granted in time for ZZ Top’s June concert in the New Hampshire. Happily, it all worked out,” said Smith. “Just a week before the performance, John and Linda were notified they had VIP passes and would meet the band. They were very excited!” 

“Thank you to the Dream Foundation for helping to fulfill John’s dream. This is a great example of how organizations can work together to make a patient’s wish come true,” commented Peter Holden, interim president, St. Mary’s Health System. “Thank you also to the Wing family for allowing us to be a part of John’s journey.”

John Wing’s dream to see ZZ Top in concert was recently fulfilled by the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at St. Mary’s Health System and the Dream Foundation. From left are Bethanie Morgan, Lori Dyer, Agnieszka Smith, Kristen Hirsh, Katy Trischler, Wing, Stephanie Buswell, Linda Merchant, Emma-Lee St. Germain and Linda Wing.