Father shares son’s story to raise funds for Station Fire Memorial

By Kelcy Dolan
Posted 2/11/16

“I think this is Nicky’s job now, to get me to tell this story and have others be touched by it,” David Kane, longtime comedian, radio show host, and author of “41 Signs of Hope,” said in a …

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Father shares son’s story to raise funds for Station Fire Memorial

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“I think this is Nicky’s job now, to get me to tell this story and have others be touched by it,” David Kane, longtime comedian, radio show host, and author of “41 Signs of Hope,” said in a recent interview.

Kane’s son, Nicolas O’Neill, was the youngest victim of the Station Nightclub fire on Feb. 20, 2003, at only 18 years old.

Since his son’s passing, Kane has had numerous experiences, signs far too coincidental to be accidental, that have led him to believe his son, affectionately called Nicky, has been reaching out to him and his family.

In 2006, Kane’s book detailing the various incidences in which Nicky has “reached out” – from EVP sessions to pictures resembling the boy at extremely opportune moments – was published. Since its publication and a subsequent documentary, “41 Signs of Hope” has sold out three printings.

Now, it will be available at a book signing on Friday, Feb. 19, at Barrington Books Retold in Garden City Center. Kane will give a presentation previous to the signing, and 100 percent of the book sales will benefit the Station Fire Memorial Foundation. The foundation has raised more than $1.3 million of a $2 million goal to build a memorial at the site of the fire in West Warwick.

The 13th observance of the tragedy will be held Sunday, Feb. 14, at 1 p.m. in Council Chambers at Warwick City Hall. As has been the practice, the names of the 100 victims will be read. Foundation president Gina Russo will officiate and provide an update of memorial plans and fundraising.

This is the first time Kane has used the book as a fundraiser, but with the anniversary only a day after the signing and the foundation finally starting construction on the memorial, he thought it appropriate.

“I am sure Nicky would like to contribute, and I will get to show all the evidence and share his story,” Kane said.

Kane is excited for the memorial, but does not believe it is for the survivors or even the families of those who lost their lives. He said they both have daily reminders, but the memorial will show “what happened when people don’t do their job, when people aren’t looking out for the safety of others. It’s a reminder of what happens when we don’t take care of other people.”

Kane’s “41 Signs of Hope” has gotten international attention. Individuals as far away as Paris and India have reached out to Kane, sharing their own experiences and thanking him, and of course Nicky, for telling this story. Kane has even shipped his book to customers in Australia.

Kane, who now resides in Johnston, said: “I never thought there would be a following like this. I’ve heard from so many people who have had similar experiences. This helps them believe in their own experiences, it helps to validate it. They like knowing they aren’t crazy, that it’s not just grief or their imagination.”

Kane believes that most people have these experiences, where they believe a passed loved one is reaching out to them, but are afraid to admit it or are too busy being sad and grieving to recognize them for what they are.

He categorizes it as a “Santa Syndrome.” Throughout our lives, he said, we are made to believe in Santa, the Easter Bunny, and other fantastical characters – only to learn as we age they were all a trick.

“They want to believe, but they are afraid that if they do Lucy is going to pull away that football again,” he said. “It takes guts to talk about this stuff.”

Kane believes Nicky’s story has touched so many and helped to assure people that they never “lose” their loved ones, that they aren’t alone.

The book signing will take place at Barrington Books Retold, located at 176 Hillside Road in Cranston, on Feb. 19 beginning at 7 p.m.

Kane will make a presentation following the stories both in “41 Signs of Hope” and ones he’s experienced since the book’s publication in 2006. He will be available afterwards for further discussion and book signing.

For more information on the book signing, visit barringtonbooks.com. For more information on Kane or his book, visit davekane.net.

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