Jeff Giles | Ultimate Classic Rock
A critically ill Las Vegas teen was granted his last wish by Gene Simmons, who flew to his hospital bedside for an in-person visit.
KVVU reports that the Kiss co-founder was contacted by staff at the Children’s Hospital of Nevada, who told him about 17-year-old Pediatric Intensive Care patient Dilan Kohn. Simmons reportedly flew out the next morning, bringing “a huge bag full of signed memorabilia.”
The visit was commemorated with a post on the hospital’s Facebook page, where staff posted pictures of Simmons and Kohn’s time together. “Mr. Simmons had not only been Dilan’s idol, but also his inspiration growing up,” reads the post in part. “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.”
As the post notes, the timing of Simmons’ visit was crucial — according to the hospital, Kohn passed away mere days after his wish came true.
Simmons’ good works also made the news last fall, when he performed at a benefit concert that ended with police showing up at the mansion where it was being held in response to noise complaints. Simmons’ bandmate Paul Stanley made his own hospital visit last spring, when he spent time with a young patient undergoing surgery for bilateral microtia, a condition with which he has personal experience.