On 12-year-old Florida child Ian Bailey’s final day of chemotherapy after a grueling battle with cancer, the boy was treated to a very special musical performance by the staff of Wolfson Children’s Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida.
As Ian was waiting around in his room, the staff came in complete with a guitar and tambourine to sing him a custom rendition of Taio Cruz’s 2009 dance hit “Dynamite.” A video taken by his mom, Shannon Bailey, brought many social media users around the country to tears just as the pre-teen was clearly moved by the trouble they took to make him feel special.
But what Ian didn’t know was that the doctors and nurses who spent so much time helping him get well wanted to do their part to mark their occasion. As the staff walked in complete with musical instruments, a smile broke across Ian’s face, clearly intrigued by what was happening. “What is this?” he asked his mom, with an amused look.
We throw our hands up in the air today
Saying aye oh
Go on home and enjoy your life
We will miss you here
Go on and have some fun
“[T]here was dinner with family, and dinner with friends (sushi finally!!!), there was lunch by the river, checkers with his brothers (because at Cracker Barrel that’s what you do), school work at Urban Bean with his buddy Talan, a visit with his principal and vice principal, and did I mention laughter, so much laughter.”
As the song drew to a close, Ian got a big round of applause from all of those in the hospital who had helped him make it through chemo and were inspired by his maturity and resilience throughout. “We’re so proud of you,” one of the nurses told him as she gave the choked-up survivor a big hug.
“I don’t normally get this teary, but whoa,” he said, wiping his cheeks. “Wow, guys, that just meant so much to me. I’m going to miss you guys so much.” As one of the nurses joked, “You can come say hi and just not spend the night here.” He and his mom thanked everyone who had taken part in his recovery.
“Thank you Wolfson’s and Nemours for providing an environment that we can turn into our ‘home away from home during unwelcomed treatments.’”Best of all, as the song itself explained, “Ian is moving on to brighter days and starting Chapter 2.”