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

jschmid@wish.org