Dying Man's Final Wish to Sing Favorite Song Surrounded by Loved Ones
Marc Wright from Columbia, Missouri, began his firefighter career in 1988, fresh out of high school. He began low on the totem pole, at the Boone County Fire District, and worked his way up.
By the young age of 19, Wright had earned the status of lieutenant and also became EMT certified.
But after 23 years of service, something happened to change everything. An active, energetic man of 44, he was told that his days were numbered.
It was at a routine, yearly physical that Wright received the news. He felt fine, in the best shape of his life.
After all, he had just gotten back from a volcano hiking vacation. The news hit him like a punch in the stomach.
His doctor had encouraged him to get a colonoscopy, something that is becoming more common in younger men, especially with the rise of colon cancer.
After the procedure, as Wright was leaving the recovery room, the doctor said the words that would change Wright’s life: “You have colon cancer.”
According to National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, cancer is the leading cause of death for firefighters. Still, the diagnosis was difficult to believe. His battle to fight a different foe had begun.
Wright went through six months of chemotherapy and surgery to remove the cancer. The doctors told him that his colon was cancer-free.
Unfortunately, at the next doctor’s visit, they saw that the cancer had moved to his liver. Wright was not ready to give up.
He continued to work at the fire station as he received chemo treatments. “I’d be at work, go back and get radiation, then go back to work,” said Wright. “I think being at work through all those treatments kept me mentally strong.”
After four bouts with the cancer, after more tumors and more chemotherapy, Wright’s battle was coming to an end and he was hospitalized. With only days left to live, he had one request.
He wanted to sing one more song, “The Dance,” by Garth Brooks. Surrounded by family and friends, and with the accompaniment of a guitar, Wright began to sing.
In a touching moment, as his family and friends looked on, Wright’s voice rang out clear and strong.
It was a time to say goodbye and a time to remember all of the amazing, strong and joyful parts of a man who battled to the end.
Garth Brooks was shown the video of Wright singing his song and was touched. He also commented on Wright’s singing voice. His family knew that Wright would have been touched by the words.
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