Keith Urban went beyond simply serenading her, providing 25 year old Marissa English with strength and tranquilly when she needed them most. She was born with multiple health conditions. She had water and an inoperable cyst on her brain and suffered from severe scoliosis and cerebral palsy. But...she was an avid Keith Urban fan. According to Marissa’s mother, her daughter is so devoted to Keith Urban that she wraps her pillows in his shirts. And her dream was to attend one of Keith's concerts and did everything she could to secure tickets before they were sold out. She also ensured her fitness. Marissa remained hopeful that she would be well enough to attend Keith Urban’s concert in Toledo, Ohio.
She was ecstatic when she finally obtained her tickets! But Marissa’s health rapidly deteriorated prior to the concert date. Due to her deteriorating health, she was unable to attend. She was beside herself knowing this was her final opportunity to see Keith. 5 years ago, a nurse, Laura Szyperski Biel, posted a social media campaign to contact Keith Urban.
Biel said in her post, “We are trying very hard to get the message to him of what it would mean for him to stop and see this patient while he is in town,” The odds were slim, but they had to try. Soon, Keith observed social media messages pouring in.
At the time, she was a patient at Mercy Children’s Hospital. And indeed, the legendary Keith Urban entered Marissa’s hospital room and greeted her. They talked and he sang to her. He performed “Blue Is Not Your Color.” Everyone observed Keith as he serenaded Marissa. They were all shedding tears.
Following his visit to Marissa, Keith dedicated his subsequent concert to her and thanked all the nurses who made every effort to contact him.
The realization of Marissa’s dream gave her the strength to fight and be courageous.
“The overall calming effect it had on her, too,” mom said. “She’s been having a lot of difficult days, but she relaxed. Her heart rate actually came down which surprises me because I thought it would go up, but she was just enjoying the moment,” explained Matthews.
Matthews posted on her Facebook account the sad news that Marissa had passed away.
Marissa lived life to its fullest extent. She was surrounded by those who loved her, and she now guides them from above.