Jackson's Kindess Recounted - Again, and Again

[Triana]

http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?subjectid=11&articleid=20090628_11_A1_DavidS991085

It was in 1984 when Karen Wilson's 14-year-old son, David Smithee, who was terminally ill with cystic fibrosis, met Jackson at his California home.

...

The visit was topped off with Jackson giving David the red leather jacket he had worn in the "Beat It" video and a beaded glove he had worn to the American Music Awards, where he collected eight awards.

David wore the jacket and glove home on the plane to Tulsa, his mother recalled.

"He was just in heaven," Wilson said.

David, an eighth-grader at Nimitz Junior High School, went straight to the hospital after arriving home, his mother said.

While in the hospital, David showed visitors the jacket, glove and pictures of himself and Jackson, Wilson said.

David died one month later.

"Michael Jackson gave us the happiest last month of our lives," Wilson said. "(David) died very happy."

The visit must have made an impact on Jackson, too; he later dedicated the Jackson 5's "Victory" album to David.


David Smithee, a 14-year-old Tulsan, poses for a picture with Michael Jackson in April 1984. Smithee, who had cystic fibrosis, got to meet Jackson through the Brass Ring Society, an organization that fulfilled the wishes of terminally ill children. Smithee died in May 1984. Courtesy

_ _ _ _ _

AND • • •

December 1st is World AIDS Day - Remembering two Angels: Both "Gone Too Soon"

"• • • And today, I’d like to bring attention not only to this horrible disease and all those suffering with it or who may suffer with it, but also to Michael Jackson who this site is dedicated to, and who bravely and selflessly befriended young Ryan White who contracted HIV/AIDs in the 1980s from a blood transfusion. Kicked out of school and shunned by many in his Indiana town because of fear of the disease, Michael became Ryan’s friend and companion during the last years of Ryan’s life. Michael attended Ryan’s funeral with his family, and wrote the song “Gone Too Soon” in honor of Ryan, who died in April 1990. One video of that song is below, sung at Bill Clinton’s inauguration, after which Michael asked President Clinton to provide research and treatment funding to fight the disease. The Ryan White Care Act was passed in August 1990.

On October 21st 2009, the House passed the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act (S.1793), reauthorizing the Ryan White program for four years. On Oct 29, 2009, Ryan White’s mother Jeanne White-Ginder was present at the signing ceremony of this fourth extension of the original Care Act.

The Ryan White program has served people with AIDS and HIV for nearly two decades. The Ryan White program provides care, treatment and support services to nearly half a million people."

http://www.mj-777.com/?p=769

[shadowknows69]

1. Pretty much only by you at this point.

[Onceuponalife]

6. ...and again...and again...and again

Andagainandagainandagainandagaina....:eyes:

[CatWoman]

2. I remember Ryan White

as I was living in Indianapolis at the time.

I couldn't believe the way Hoosiers treated that kid.

DISGUSTING!!!!!

However, after Michael took him under his wing, the situation increased tremendously.

Micheal sure could work magic, just by his support and presence.

[Triana]

3. His youngest son's name ' Blanket' comes from the concept of

'blanketing' someone with love and care. It's a term he and his family/friends and employees used. It's something he believed in and practiced.

[Catherine Vincent]

4. Yet another heartfelt story about MJ. Thanks.

Here's a more recent one about Earth Girl from "This Is It". She's such a cutey and she can't stop talking about Michael Jackson:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yp-Bx6GjwuI

[blonndee]

5. I just read this story today. What a beautiful photo and story, one of many like it.

I keep thinking I know how generous and loving Michael was and how much he gave, but for some reason each time I read a new personal account like this, it amazes me all over again. He really is an inspiration. He was at the top of the freaking world at the time. He certainly didn't have to do all that he did for others, but he made it a priority, ALWAYS. And it wasn't just that he gave money--he gave of his time and personal attention, and it really mattered to him. I don't know many people like that, much less worldwide celebrities.

[blonndee]

7. Kicked.

Just for you, Ignored. :hi:

[johnlucas]

8. Keep tellin' 'em Triana! Keep tellin' em'!

Don't stop! Never stop!

The truth must be known once & for all.
You're doing marvelous work upholding Michael's legacy here on Democratic Underground.
John Lucas

[Touchdown]

9. That kid looks scared. What happened during the "innocent" slumber party last night?

I wonder...

[Catherine Vincent]

10. Can't you read?

That kid had a fatal disease you dumbass! :eyes:

[Touchdown]

12. I doubt that stopped him.

:hi:

[Onceuponalife]

11. And what are those white stains on the pic?

Ew.

[centristgrandpa]

13. mikey is too white, thought he shoulda gone more japanese...n/t