October 23, 2024

Memories Made at Luke Bryan Concert in Des Moines

When Luke Miller was diagnosed with advanced cancer more than two years ago, he was told he would likely have a year to live. But he defied the odds.

Luke, a teacher in the West Des Moines Community School District, continued in the profession he loves, scheduling his chemotherapy treatments so they would not interfere with class time. Luke was feeling well enough that he and his wife Sarah bought tickets for the Luke Bryan concert in Des Moines, which was originally scheduled for August 2024.

“Luke and I had gone to a Luke Bryan concert in Kansas City on one of our anniversaries, just on a whim. We loved him!” says Sarah. “Then Luke got me tickets for my birthday for us and two friends to go to his concert in Des Moines, but it got rescheduled for October and Luke was not doing well.” Luke had begun receiving hospice care at EveryStep’s Kavanagh House hospice home in Des Moines. Sarah intended to sell the tickets.

But EveryStep’s medical director, Dr. Tom Mouser, stepped in. Connections were made and Iowa Events Center general manager Chris Connolly arranged for a VIP suite at the concert so Luke could use his wheelchair and be free to leave the show when he wasn’t feeling well.

“We all met at Kavanagh House. We all rode in Luke's new truck together down there, so it was fun,” says Sarah. “Chris made everything beyond smooth and easy for us. He met us at the door and walked us up to the suite. We brought all our kids —4-year-old Jordan, 11-year-old Holly and Mia, who's 9.” Chris told Sarah to bring as many people as she wanted to the concert, so both Luke and Sarah’s parents were able to attend, along with other family members.

“It was so awesome,” says Sarah. “(Luke) loved it. I think he enjoyed it probably more than all of us because we were all nervous for him. I kept asking if he wanted to leave?”

But Luke didn’t want to. He was waiting for Bryan to sing one special song — “Drink a Beer”, a sentimental ballad about remembering a loved one after they’re gone.

“(Luke) was holding out for that song. I think the concert was almost over by the time we left,” says Sarah. “It was so sad, but it was so special, too. It was a great memory, and now it'll make it even more of a special memory when I hear the music.”

EveryStep Hospice helps those living with a serious illness make the best out of every day. Our staff is dedicated to providing quality and compassionate care, and helping patients find quality of life on their terms. Sometimes this means fulfilling wishes and creating lasting memories for patients and their families.

With multiple locally based teams in communities across Iowa, EveryStep Hospice is a solid, trusted presence serving nearly half of Iowa's counties with teams in Centerville, Des Moines, Mount Ayr, Mount Pleasant, Osceola and Winterset. When around-the-clock care is needed, EveryStep’s Kavanagh House hospice home in Des Moines provides a home-like atmosphere with private bedrooms, living rooms, family kitchens and other amenities. For more information about EveryStep Hospice, visit www.everystep.org/services/hospice.

If you or someone you know is struggling to find the support they need, please contact EveryStep at 515-558-9946 or complete the commitment-free, confidential “Find Care” form here. EveryStep staff will follow up with a phone call to answer your questions and provide help.

To learn more about Sarah and Luke Miller, see this story broadcast on KCCI in Des Moines.