The Child With Cancer Who Listened To “Magic Carpet Ride” Daily — And Got A Personal Call From Kay

April 1, 2025

Once there was a bright-eyed girl named Lily who lived in a small town, filled with laughter and the sweet smell of blooming flowers in spring. But Lily was facing a battle that most kids her age didn’t even know existed—she had cancer. Each day was a new challenge, filled with hospital visits and treatments that made her feel weak and tired. Yet, amidst the uncertainty of her health, there was a spark of joy that kept her going: a song called “Magic Carpet Ride” by the band Steppenwolf. Each morning, Lily would play that song over and over again, letting the upbeat melody wash over her like sunshine.

As the music wrapped around her, Lily felt as though she was soaring above the clouds, escaping the harsh realities of her illness. The lyrics spoke of adventure and freedom, igniting her imagination and filling her with hope. Every time she heard it, she envisioned herself flying on a magic carpet, exploring distant lands where worries melted away. It became her daily ritual, something she clung to like a lifeline. She even decorated her hospital room with colorful drawings of carpets and castles, each one inspired by the music that made her heart dance.

Unbeknownst to Lily, her love for “Magic Carpet Ride” was making waves far beyond her small town. The song had been a classic since the late 1960s, bringing joy to countless listeners around the world, including the lead singer, John Kay. In the midst of his successful music career, John often reflected on how music could heal and uplift. Hearing stories of fans who found solace in his songs made him realize that his music had a unique power—one that could reach into the depths of someone’s soul and spark a flicker of joy in the darkest of times.

One day, during a radio interview, a listener shared Lily’s story with John. He was deeply moved by her strength and resilience and decided to reach out. With a quick call to the radio station, he asked to speak to Lily. When her nurse handed her the phone, she couldn’t believe her ears. “Hello, is this Lily?” a familiar voice asked. It was John Kay himself, the very man behind her favorite song! Tears of joy filled Lily’s eyes as she realized that not only was she speaking to a musician she admired, but he was calling just for her.

During their conversation, John shared stories from his own life, how music had always been his escape, just like it was for her. He encouraged Lily to never lose hope and reminded her that her spirit radiated courage. The call was brief, but it sparked a renewed sense of determination in Lily. The magic carpet that had once only existed in her imagination became a symbol of her journey through treatment, guiding her toward healing and resilience. She started painting again and writing her own stories, each one infused with the music that had lifted her spirits.

Months passed, and while the road was long and sometimes difficult, Lily learned to ride the waves of her treatment with the same enthusiasm she felt while listening to “Magic Carpet Ride.” John’s call had given her new strength, reminding her that she was never alone in her fight. And as she listened to the song every day, the melody became a reminder of the magic within herself—the magic that could overcome any challenge. Through her courage, Lily learned not just to dream of flying on a magic carpet, but to believe that she could soar through life, defying the odds and inspiring others along the way.