Jen Leitch, who became quadriplegic and lost her voice in a car accident at age 15, fulfilled her long-time dream of meeting pop sensation Billie Eilish at the Osheaga music festival in Montreal on August 5. The accident left her with damaged trachea and one lung. During her recovery, the only time she was awake and could communicate was when her music therapist visited, and they would listen to Billie Eilish songs on her iPad.
Now 18, Leitch had been a fan of Eilish since hearing her single “Ocean Eyes” in 2016. Leitch expressed how much Eilish’s music meant to her and how it helped her through the most challenging times of her life. She described Eilish as sweet, funny, caring, and passionate.
Leitch’s dream of meeting Billie Eilish seemed far-fetched until her mother contacted Eilish’s manager with the help of Evenko director general Nathalie Roberge. Leitch was then given access to the “artists’ world” at the festival and was introduced to Billie Eilish’s manager, leading to a dream-come-true meeting.
Leitch had initially contacted the Make-a-Wish Foundation in 2019 while in the ICU but was unable to arrange a meeting at the time. She reconnected with the organization this year and, after an initial offer of a short video message, was determined to meet Eilish in person.
Her first attempt to meet Eilish was by attending Coachella, but medical complications during a flight led to her hospitalization and cancellation of the trip. Undeterred, Leitch later decided to make a seven-hour drive to the Osheaga festival, where she finally met the superstar.
The meeting was a testament to Leitch’s passion for Eilish’s music and her determination to make her dream a reality.
In addition to meeting Billie Eilish, Leitch also ran into English singer-songwriter Tom Odell and Fletcher at the festival, making it an unforgettable experience for her.