Turning Loss Into Legacy

Michelle and Brian Dubinski shared their story with Eric Alper, host of the @ThatEricAlper Show, a radio program on SiriusXM Canada.

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Brian and Michelle Dubinski are turning loss into legacy through their Pink Bows Foundation. The foundation was created in honor of their daughter, Madison, who tragically lost her life at the Astroworld Festival, an event that claimed nine other lives.

They are working with world-renowned safety experts to bring the Showstop Procedure to live venues worldwide—a global standard for stopping live shows safely during emergencies.

I’m honored to have Brian and Michelle join me. Can you tell me a little bit about who Madison was and what made her so special to those around her, including you both?

Michelle: Madison was electric—so much fun to be around, incredibly charismatic, and loved by everyone. She was deeply involved in charity work, logging over 500 hours by the time she graduated high school, which was remarkable. Every teacher, coach, and community member who knew her cherished her.

When you first heard about the tragedy, especially as parents of a child who attended concerts, how did you process your emotions and decide what to do next?

Brian: The roller coaster of emotions was overwhelming—we were in a fog for weeks. But we both immediately felt that something needed to change. We may not have known exactly how to navigate it, but we knew we had to honor Madison. We put one foot in front of the other to learn more about the situation, why it occurred, and how we could prevent it in the future. Over time, we built something we’re very proud of, and we know Madison would be proud too. We often say that if the tables were turned, she would be using her voice to initiate positive change.

We’ve focused on collaboration rather than combat, seeking industry leaders, large venues, promoters, entertainers, and insurers to stand alongside us. Together, we aim to evaluate, educate, and implement systemic changes to improve safety.

How did the idea for the Pink Bows Foundation come to life?

Michelle: Right after the tragedy, a family member created a makeshift memorial with a pink bow and the hashtag #PinkMadison. It quickly spread across Houston, Texas, the U.S., and even internationally. Amidst our grief, this incredible outpouring of kindness kept us going. When we started the foundation, we wanted it to reflect these acts of generosity and kindness.

Brian: We then channeled that energy into meaningful action—using our voices for good and creating a lasting impact.

Tell me about the Showstop Procedure training. This is truly industry-changing.

Brian: As a family, we decided to research and work with top industry experts. We connected with Steve Allen, an industry veteran, and Dr. Mark Hamilton, who has written extensively on safety standards in the UK. Together, we developed a training protocol that is now internationally accredited.

Think about it: at live events, the people making the most critical decisions about safety often aren’t fully certified. Seconds matter, and proper training can save lives. That night, when we lost Madison, we realized how essential proper preparation is.

What kind of response are you getting from the industry so far?

Brian: We’ve trained staff across the UK, Houston, Europe, Australia, Saudi Arabia, and certified over 400 industry professionals. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with agreement that training should be standardized globally—from London to Dallas to New York. 

Outside North America, adoption has been strong. In the U.S., we’re working with organizations like the Event Safety Alliance to expand adoption and promote standardized safety procedures.