Ten years ago, my daughter Kirsten danced under the electric sky at EDC Las Vegas for her first—and what would unknowingly be—her only time. It was June 2015. I remember her mood vividly after she returned from that magical weekend. Something changed in her…She came home brighter. She had a sparkle I hadn’t seen before. It was more than the music or the lights—it was the way she spoke about the people, the acceptance, the feeling of belonging. At EDC, she felt safe, seen, and alive. She had found her place. That experience carried her spirit in ways we would only fully understand as her journey unfolded.
One month after her highest of high moments, she would experience her lowest of lows. On July 26, 2015, at the young age of 19, her world turned upside down when she received the devastating news of a cancer diagnosis …with 3 simple words, her life changed forever.
During treatment, she held onto her memories from EDC like a lifeline. Her hope was fueled by the idea that she would get through treatment and return to that magical place. She even bought a ticket to return in 2016, hopeful that she would be well enough to go back and celebrate survival, life, and friendship. Unfortunately, those hopes and dreams would go unanswered when on February 15, 2016, Kirsten lost her fight with cancer.
The day her EDC box arrived in the mail—unopened, full of dreams—I felt the sting of everything we had lost once again. Her brother Andrew, who originally introduced her to EDM, went to EDC in her place that year, hoping to feel close to her again, connecting with her friends in her honor.
It would be another two years before I was ready to see what EDC was all about. I felt this strong desire to find a way to reconnect with Kirsten and realized it might be just the place to find her. In 2018, I went to EDC Las Vegas for the first time with my younger sister April. I needed to see the place that gave Kirsten such joy. I needed to feel what she felt. From the first moment I walked onto the speedway, I knew this would not be my last time. I instantly connected to what Kirsten must have felt. It is awe-inspiring. Energizing. Healing. Electric. And I felt her presence.
That year I made a vow to myself, and to Kirsten, that I would keep coming back. I would meet her there, under the same electric sky. I’ve now been five times—soon to be six (I am going with my niece this year ????)—and every time I return, I understand more deeply why this experience moved her so much. EDC has become my sacred space. A space where I reconnect with my daughter— not in body, but in spirit. Over the last seven years, I have collected so many incredible memories, and have filled my phone with the sights, sounds, joy and light of all EDC has to offer. But there is one memory that stands out above all the rest. It is the reason that keeps me coming back.
On May 19, 2019, while watching Illenium’s set at the Circuit Grounds, a young woman turned to me in the sea of people and held up two fingers in a peace sign. At first, I wasn’t sure what was happening. Realizing I was not familiar with the PLUR handshake, she gently took my hand, held it up to hers, and patiently guided me through the steps. At the end, our fingers intertwined, she slid a bracelet from her wrist to mine. I was so excited by the experience, lost in the magical moment of music and connection, that I didn’t look right away to see what she had just given me. When I finally did, I froze in disbelief and felt the tears welling up in my eyes. She could not have possibly known my situation, or what that bracelet would mean to me. It had two simple words: “Sorry Mom.”
That message? No question it was Kirsten. She had somehow found me under the electric sky.
EDC is more than music and lights. It is connection. It is healing. It is peace, love, unity, and respect—PLUR in action. It’s strangers lifting each other up—sometimes literally, and sometimes not even knowing that is what they have just done. It’s the way we all watch out for one another, share water, offer comfort, exchange smiles, and create memories that transcend time.
As a mom, I have never felt more hopeful for the next generation than I do when I’m among this community. This isn’t just a party. It’s a practice in radical inclusion where “All Are Welcome” is more than words above the entrance; it’s a shared understanding. It’s where you show up as your truest self—and celebrate that same authenticity in everyone around you.
If I were ever lucky enough to meet Pasquale, I am not sure I would have the words to truly reflect my gratitude for what he has given us. He created a space where Kirsten felt alive. Where she felt seen. Where her spirit still dances. And where I can now reconnect with her.
I am sure there are thousands—millions—of Headliners whose lives have been changed in some beautiful way because Pasquale dared to dream big and build something magical, safe, inclusive, and real. He has reflected passion, love, care, and creativity above all for his Headliners.
At b-present, the nonprofit I now lead in Kirsten’s honor, we strive to incorporate this same passion and love in the work we do, helping young adults with cancer feel supported, seen, and connected during the most isolating time of their lives. Much like EDC, we believe in the power of presence. In creating safe and inclusive spaces. In showing up with love and support.
Be Present. Be PLURfect.
It is still hard to believe this year marks the 10th anniversary of Kirsten’s diagnosis. The summer of 2015 was filled with so much hope and heartbreak in the span of a few months. EDC has given me the chance to be part of something bigger. To connect with this beautiful, glittering constellation of humanity—to remind me, year after year, how impactful and healing connection can be. And most of all, to remember Kirsten.
So, if you happen to see me at EDC this year with my light up jacket and shoes, know this: I am not alone. Kirsten is with me. And together for one amazing weekend, we get to dance together and reconnect under the electric sky.
—Abby Westerman
CEO, b-present Foundation
Kirsten’s Mom
Proud Headliner, 2018-2025
