The Visit by Mr. T With Children at UCI Medical Center in Orange

Mr. T’s recent visit to UCI Medical Center to visit 10-year-old Frankie Waldrop was reminiscent of a similar visit he made to Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles several years ago.

To be honest, those of us on the public affairs staff grimaced as the flamboyant star pulled up to Childrens in an enormous white limo and emerged with his trademark gold jewelry sparkling in the glare of the TV lights. As he visited children under the watchful eye of the media, I thought to myself, well, this is all for show.

Then, eventually, the reporters and cameramen left and the crowds disappeared. With no one else around, Mr. T turned to me and asked if there were any more kids who wanted to see him. I made some calls and, for another hour and a half, Mr. T went quietly from room to room brightening the day of every child who wanted to see him. Finally, after pressing me one more time--”You sure nobody’s left who wants to talk to Mr. T?”--he left as he arrived, in a blur of gold and chrome.

KENNETH ROSS

Director, marketing and public affairs UCI Medical Center

Orange