In the early 1950s, most babies born with spina bifida did not live long, but Mellencamp survived after a pioneering operation. Mellencamp talks about finally meeting the doctor who saved him, 62 years later. Anthony Mason reports.
His songbook alone has brought more joy to the world than 99% of the population. If his Doctor didn't have the skill he had, we all would have lost out on an unknown joy. God bless his Doctor and Mellencamp.
Blessed rather than Luck. We have lots of children here in the states that have Spinal Bifida, because their mothers lacked enough Folate during pregnancy.
my high school english teacher is one of his close friends . i met him 4 x myself . i lived by him for 5 years . in bloomington in the early 90s love his music and his story . i just pray for his salvation if he isnt already saved . he sure has a miracle story . he knows the word . i just hope he believes it .
I had a doctor who saved my life too. Knowing I was born a premature baby. I had a hole in my heart. The doctor fixed it and I’m still here 24 years later. This story is tear jerking to me. I love you John.
hole isnt as scary as it sounds. coutnless millions have them and never know. i had one fixed at 33 years old. only found it halfway through the surgery but godbless you
That is AMAZING and INCREDIBLE!!! We as John's family, friends, AND fans owe a great and tremendous amount of GRATITUDE to Dr. Robert Heinberger for operating and saving John's life as a newly born infant. I did NOT even realize just how risky and dangerous that the disease Spina Bifida was back in those days, and moreover, how much more risky the surgery was. I hope that John realizes and knows how truly, truly blessed that he is and takes more spiritual advice he gets to heart. HATS OFF, Dr. Heinberger and Riley Hospital for Children In Indianapolis!!!
Being born with Spina Bifida 40 years ago and being reunited with the doctor who saved me, after not seeing him in 20 years, this story brought me to tears. I never knew this about Mr. Mellencamp.
John seems to really have a deep relaxing spiritual vibe about him these days.....very different from his early days.....i'm feelin' it big time...good on ya John!!!
So blessed to have met with your doctor I think about mine quite often and wish I could thank him personally and let him things turned out just fine I had spinal meningitis when I was only 7 months old (53 yrs ago) diagnosed on Thanksgiving Day For me to have survived, every day is Thanksgiving
Gosh, John Mellencamp, every day is a gift and you are so fortunate to wake up every morning with your gift that you so Kindly share with all of us. Please have faith! It makes all the difference in the world.
The American people have faith in you John....and so do quite a few Brits over here. Truth be known, you were one of five singers who inspired me to write songs..... You officially rock John Mellencamp...and so does the man who saved your life. It actually made me weep to think that he charged your folks just $1 to save your life. What a guy. A little while back a friend of mine from Britain toured the U.S of A. When he returned i asked him one question. What did you love about America?His answer came back simply as "JOHN MELLANCAMP...they play his songs everywhere and it will always stay with me". Stay with US for a long time John....and honour that Doctor. Regards, Sonic Foxx, England.
I have a granddaughter that had Spina Bifida surgery at Riley within four hours of her birth, a granddaughter that had heart surgery at six months, and a third that is still going to Riley. It is an amazing place staffed with talented and caring people.
I have always believed that God knows his intentions for the decisions he makes concerning our lives, many times we wonder what they are. I can honestly say I believe God knew how much Pleasure and Enjoyment his people would receive from hearing Johns stories and his voice emanate over the airways.
He Gives Us Free Will His Love Is So Profound We Are All Walking Talking Mobile Miracles , Will we Remember or Discover his Great Love 4 All !!! That Is Ours To Recognize The Gr8est LOV
Incredible. God has his eye on you, John. Best get with the program. You aren't lucky, you are hand picked and there is nothing you can do about it. Faith is praticed. This was your beginning to start God Bless You.
One of god's own Hoosiers. From a state that's gone off the reservation, curled up in its fears of the outside world and striking out at anything that seems frightening, Mellencamp remains an honest man. Many in his home state have branded him a bleeding heart and empty headed idiot, a fool for crybabies. I imagine he wears their slings and arrows with a great deal of pride. Just like Oklahoma, where the same sort of people walk all over the state, and where they have all but removed their great voice of the people, Woodie Guthrie, Indiana has tried to brand Mellencamp. Guthrie and his songs carry on, and so will Mellencamps. We could us more like him.
Amazing!! Such a great example of aid and blessings from unknown and unexpected places...and yet I can not help but bitch about why we can not hear the violinist! Oofda.
My dear John I look up to you and some of the greatest moments in my life back in the 80s in Miami were sorrounded by your great songs. And I tell you with all my heart that it was The Almighty God who was backing up the Dr. who made this miraculous operation on you. Dear and beloved John only Unweavering Faith in God. Nothing else but Fath in God.
John Mellencamp I also am a country boy born in 1953 and been thru hell and I play guitar and sing as a hobby and in church, I am a Pentacostal Christian soldier for three years now and John all I can tell ya is I pray to Jesus Christ and do the best I can to obey the word of God cause I will die some day just like you brother and at 62 I am getting closer and I do not want to go to Hell so I have faith in the only one that can save me from that fate and that brother is Jesus Christ now I am going to play and sing your song Pink Houses and I do pray for you John and I am sure a lot of soldiers for Christ also pray for you cause we love you my man
As a child, constant tests for stuff I was born with. Club foot ( 3 surgeries for it) the most recent 2009, skin stuff ( a condition that kids were born with) mine began as a rash that spread. Tests for my kidneys, and kind of like a guinea pig. At a certain point, my Dad told my Mom, " No more tests and doctors ! She's going to think something is wrong with her." Years later, some health stuff that's a mystery. Father was in the military and we moved all over the world. Have no idea where my medical records are. In a way, that's okay with me.
I would dignify john and his incredible band...past and future...if I could understand why his new concentration killed the crops...and where the double talk was prevalent. Hooray!
It took me a while to realize who exactly was his twin,,,, in looks. in hair, in style and both being the best of the best, from a young age- that would be Marty Stuart round Nashville , my they are a pair. . Check this out!!!
Seriously cool John helping Riley hospital. l like John a lot. He is soulful. Funny how he is now realizing the evidence of God. I've had 2 recurring dreams about him over the years in one dream he and l with a group of people behind us are standing in an airport watching a horrible storm outside through the big glass windows. Its like a tornado rageing outside with heavy rain but he & l are safe inside just watching it all. In the other dream lm outside the grass is very green like early spring it feels like Easter time there are 3 rows of white fences between John and me and there is a Saint Benard puppy that l want after the last fence. l have jump over all three fences and l do. Then John gives me the puppy. Strange dream
Terrible story. Never explains how he actually found out he had spina bifida. When he asked about his scar as a kid, his mother blew it off. Plus, the smug hippy admits he has no faith in anything. Terrible reporting about a disgusting man.
