A touching story about Elvis

[cibetty]

I thought I share the most touching story I have ever read about Elvis. It really touched my heart deeply. I have to admit, I couldn't read it without tears and it really showed me how much he loved his fans and what a wonderful human being he was. Maybe there are some fans here who haven't read it yet, that's why I thought I post it here, on TCB-world. I will wait other stories curiously. (Those also can share their experiences, who saw and met him in person, I will wait for them!) So here is the story, I have found it on this great site anyways (http://members.tripod.com/sharoncarrell_1/unknownstories.html) :

Denise’s Story
Denise Sanchez, an 8-year-old girl from Santa Fe, New Mexico, had been a huge Elvis Presley fan since she was four. After the Christmas holiday in 1971, Denise was diagnosed with cancer. She had to have her leg and part of her hip amputated when a large tumor was detected. A very short while later, the cancer spread to her lungs. Her doctors stopped the chemotherapy treatments she had been undergoing, stating that there was no more they could do for her.

Several months later, Denise's mother, Trudi, found out that Elvis was performing in Albuquerque on April 19, 1972. Mrs. Sanchez was able to get two tickets to the show. Her daughter was thrilled. As the day of the concert neared, Denise suffered a relapse and was given the devastating news that she was too sick to travel the 65 miles to see Elvis. The young girl cried for several days and begged her mother to take her to the show. She wanted to see Elvis in person before she died. Finally, her mother and her doctor agreed to let her go to the performance.

Two days before the show, Mrs. Sanchez was advised to go to the newspapers and have them print a story of Denise. Trudi went to the Albuquerque Journal and spoke with a reporter named Grace Marie Prather. Prather helped Trudi and Denise set up a meeting with Colonel Parker in the early afternoon on the day of the show. They spoke to Parker at length about Denise's condition and her wish to see Elvis. Parker told the women that they should come to the Hilton Hotel at 4 PM and he would see what he could do. Trudi brought her daughters, Denise and Paula, and her two best friends, Emma and Belinda Cantu, to the hotel at the appointed time. Prather also went along to document the meeting. The Colonel instructed them to come to the show at 5 PM. Denise could meet Elvis after the concert.

The entire clan drove to the Tingley Coliseum and were seated in special box seats. Denise fidgeted throughout the entire show, anxious for the performance to end so that she could meet her idol. During intermission, the Sanchez part was invited backstage to Elvis' dressing room. Denise was scared, fearing Elvis' reaction to her missing leg and hip and to her bald head. Elvis took one look at the child and knelt down in front of her, kissing both her cheeks. He told Denise that she was beautiful. Trudi started crying. She could not believe how loving Elvis was to her daughter and saw how happy and alive he made her feel. Denise shyly unrolled a poster of the King and asked him to autograph it. Elvis signed it: "To Denise - Love You, Elvis Presley". Denise then asked him to sing her a song once he went back onstage. As the second part of the concert began, Elvis dedicated the first song, "You Gave Me A Mountain", to Denise. He explained to the audience, "This song is for a very special little girl I just met backstage - Denise". Denise was thrilled and cried through the entire song.

When Denise got back home she told her mother that under no circumstances was she going to clean her face and wash off Elvis' kisses. Three days later, Denise had still not washed her face. On the fourth day, her mother finally forced her to clean her face. Elvis made little Denise's short life a happier one. His love for her helped her to feel better and eased her discomfort.

I watched on net, he really did a concert on that day in Albuquerque, so the story is true. Here is the place, where Elvis met the little girl in 1972:

[Unchained Melody]

Thank you for that story !!!;)(y)

[cibetty]

Thank you for that story !!!;)(y)

You're welcome.

[elvisia]

Cibetty, thanks for the touching story(y)...Did you know that the meeting was actually filmed?
Go here and watch it:

http://www.tcb-world.com/showthread.php?t=19983

[jon_burrows]

Here are two photos of Denise Sanchez meeting Elvis.

Thanks to the FECC forum

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y152/GeordieBroon/72kid-2.jpg


http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y152/GeordieBroon/72kid.jpg




Meeting a young cancer patient before his show at the Tingley Coliseum in Alburquerque, NM on April 19, 1972

The young girls name was Denise Sanchez. During the show Elvis dedicated the song 'YOU GAVE ME A MOUNTAIN' to her but before he started the band struck up 'LOVE ME TENDER' instead as an affectionate gesture towards Denise - thanks to Geoffrey McDonnell for the extra info

[cibetty]

Here are two photos of Denise Sanchez meeting Elvis.

Thanks to the FECC forum

Meeting a young cancer patient before his show at the Tingley Coliseum in Alburquerque, NM on April 19, 1972

The young girls name was Denise Sanchez. During the show Elvis dedicated the song 'YOU GAVE ME A MOUNTAIN' to her but before he started the band struck up 'LOVE ME TENDER' instead as an affectionate gesture towards Denise - thanks to Geoffrey McDonnell for the extra info


Cibetty, thanks for the touching story...Did you know that the meeting was actually filmed?
Go here and watch it:

http://www.tcb-world.com/showthread.php?t=19983

Thanks very much for the pics and the video. OMG, yes, I have already seen the footage before, but I didn't know that the little girl in the film was Denise. I thought it was another sick little-girl. What is that "FECC" forum? Where did you find the pics and the article? I'm just curious.

[SleepyJack]

A lovely story...thanks.......and a very brave little girl, it can`t be easy to have a smile like that after going through what she went through.

[ksimms2]

Betty, I've seen this video footage also and it touched my heart. Elvis sure loved the little ones....it was so cute - that little girl didn't know what to do.....I would have been speechless myself probably.

[Unchained Melody]

I love watching this scene where Elvis meets the little girl on the Elvis On Tour Outtakes....she was so adorable, you could tell she was really nervice...(y)

Too bad Elvis didn't take her song request and sing Don't Cry Daddy instead of love me tender :P

[EnigmaticSun]

Ah well. I suppose these things make Elvis.. Elvis!

Just not merciless enough for this world. I sometimes wonder how he could have been protected against all those who were trying to take advantage of him or hurt him in any other way. He must have been very lonely.

But this makes us proud being Elvis-fans. So there's not the slightest need here to say anything along the line of "he did this or that wrong and I blame him for it". You can't even try walking in his shoes, it was very lonely being Elvis because of his rare talent and personality.

[franny]

That was a very touching story! She was a cute little girl..Thanks, for sharing it Betti. (y)
Also, thanks for cute clips elvisia. (y)

franny

[Unchained Melody]

Ah well. I suppose these things make Elvis.. Elvis!

Just not merciless enough for this world. I sometimes wonder how he could have been protected against all those who were trying to take advantage of him or hurt him in any other way. He must have been very lonely.

But this makes us proud being Elvis-fans. So there's not the slightest need here to say anything along the line of "he did this or that wrong and I blame him for it". You can't even try walking in his shoes, it was very lonely being Elvis because of his rare talent and personality.

Very well said my friend !!

Your right, no one will ever understand the position the man was in I don't think, he basically supported everybody he had around them, so many obligations to keep up with....

But again, some will say its nothing the everyday average Joe doesn't deal with...I just, well, sometimes agree on that, but most aren't in the spotlight quiet like Elvis was, and everything he did was magnified!!

[cameron]

Ah well. I suppose these things make Elvis.. Elvis!

Just not merciless enough for this world. I sometimes wonder how he could have been protected against all those who were trying to take advantage of him or hurt him in any other way. He must have been very lonely.

But this makes us proud being Elvis-fans. So there's not the slightest need here to say anything along the line of "he did this or that wrong and I blame him for it". You can't even try walking in his shoes, it was very lonely being Elvis because of his rare talent and personality.
I must agree with you. Very few know or appreciate Elvis.
Maybe when a whole new generation takes over and discovers who he really was and what he accomplished.
But, I guess there will always be ones that love pointing out the flaws instead of the goodness. :'(

You've been gone. Welcome back. :)

[Unchained Melody]

But, I guess there will always be ones that love pointing out the flaws instead of the goodness. :'(

I think people are just simply attracted to the "weird" things.

Like Elvis' decline, how that could happen to such a strong individual. I believe that is what facsinates people, and they are drawn to it I believe. It is unfortunate, they aren't attracted to other things like the marvelous Aloha From Hawaii telecast, or King Creole, or Blue Hawaii his biggest box office hit etc. Basically the accomplished things.....but theres room for all!(y)

[marijaep]

I think people are just simply attracted to the "weird" things.

Like Elvis' decline, how that could happen to such a strong individual. I believe that is what facsinates people, and they are drawn to it I believe. It is unfortunate, they aren't attracted to other things like the marvelous Aloha From Hawaii telecast, or King Creole, or Blue Hawaii his biggest box office hit etc. Basically the accomplished things.....but theres room for all!(y)

Sadly Elvis has always been followed by a prejudice (n) Wish he was remembered by his kindness and humbleness and the amazing range of his voice. But as you said, people seem to like all the weird stuff :(

Great story Betti, thanks for posting :notworthy

[4THEHEART]

that's why I'm thankful to have Elvis around in my lifetime..he is a blessing for sure for our troubled earth and a wonderful example to follow as a human being..

[utmom2008]

I remember really well when that happened..it got picked up by alot of newspapers. There is one part of the story that is false however.....there was no 2nd part of the show..at all. She either asked him to sing that before he took the stage that night..or it didn't happen(the song) the way they told it. Either way...Elvis never had an intermission.:blush::blush::blink::blink:
And..yes, I still have this article from when it was printed in the Dallas Morning News.

[cameron]

I've never understood nor been drawn to anyone because of their "weirdness". Never did I enjoy the "gossip" mags . IMO, everyone has a right to some privacy . I never felt any of them owed me a thing---except what I pay them to do.
Example is Britney Spears . I only feel sorry for her and think everyone needs to leave her alone. Especially the photogs and the gossip they work up to sell their mags. Just my opinion. :P
Of course, I siently hope the ones that do this are next weeks scandals.
As they're the ones that deserve it. :blink:

[utmom2008]

Does anyone know what happened to the little girl? She would be 44 years old if she is still living.:blink: Wow....that makes you realize just how long ago that really was.:blush::sad:

[tcbeus]

I've seen th evideo,but never read that story,Elvis was an amazing person.Thank you Betti,for posting!

[cibetty]

I've seen th evideo,but never read that story,Elvis was an amazing person.Thank you Betti,for posting!

You're welcome Bea! :hug: Yes, he was really amazing! Szívesen Bea! Igen, tényleg lenyűgöző ember volt!

[marijaep]

Does anyone know what happened to the little girl? She would be 44 years old if she is still living.:blink: Wow....that makes you realize just how long ago that really was.:blush::sad:

I think I've read somewhere that the little girl passed away shortly after she met Elvis :'( I'm not 100% sure though ;)

[cibetty]

I think I've read somewhere that the little girl passed away shortly after she met Elvis :'( I'm not 100% sure though ;)


Does anyone know what happened to the little girl? She would be 44 years old if she is still living. Wow....that makes you realize just how long ago that really was.

I also think what Marija wrote Rosanne, I don't think she could survive, her illness was in final period. But her dream, her last wish came true.

[cibetty]

I remember really well when that happened..it got picked up by alot of newspapers. There is one part of the story that is false however.....there was no 2nd part of the show..at all. She either asked him to sing that before he took the stage that night..or it didn't happen(the song) the way they told it. Either way...Elvis never had an intermission.:blush::blush::blink::blink:
And..yes, I still have this article from when it was printed in the Dallas Morning News.

I would be glad if you would be able to scan it and share with us, let me know! Elvis never had an intermission on the concerts?? That surprised me... How long did a concert take usually?

[midnight]

The story of that little girl really tug at my heart strings. My little brother and only sibling died of cancer when he was just 11 years old. I was 7 years older than he was and I just adored him. He died 25 years ago on June 2nd. He was also a big Elvis fan. How could he not be with a sister like me. Elvis eased his pain many times with his singing. I am sure Elvis still sings to him and to that little girl....

[utmom2008]

I would be glad if you would be able to scan it and share with us, let me know! Elvis never had an intermission on the concerts?? That surprised me... How long did a concert take usually?

No..there was no intermission once he was on stage. His "shows" always started by having The Sweet Inspirations open up the evening. They would sing for a bit, then his comedian would come out and tell some really lame jokes for a little while.:blink: Then there was a short intermission......THEN, it was time for ELVIS!!!(y)(y) Elvis stayed on stage on an average of 60-75 minutes, and he NEVER did an encore.



The story of that little girl really tug at my heart strings. My little brother and only sibling died of cancer when he was just 11 years old. I was 7 years older than he was and I just adored him. He died 25 years ago on June 2nd. He was also a big Elvis fan. How could he not be with a sister like me. Elvis eased his pain many times with his singing. I am sure Elvis still sings to him and to that little girl....

Wow Kim.:blush::sad::blush:What a sad story.:sad: How long did he have cancer? He would be 36 years old now, right? That must have been devastating for your Mom and Dad as well.:'( I will never understand why children have to suffer with something like cancer. Are you familar with the writer named Frank DeFord? He wrote a book about his own daughter called Alex-The Life of a Child. Alex was his daughter..she died as a little girl, only 8 yrs. old. I will never forget something that he wrote about children dying...............Older people die with achievements, memories. Children die with opportunities, dreams. They carry the hopes of all of us when they go off. :sad::sad::sad:

[midnight]

Rosanne, my brother whose name was Todd had cancer for just 3 months. In an instant our world was turned upside down.This maybe off topic but I would like to share my Elvis story with you. When my brother was diagnosed my parents moved with him to the hospital because it was too far to drive. I stayed with my aunt because i was in my last year of high school. In the room I stayed in was a stereo system and in a pile of tapes I found The Elvis Gospel tape " How Great Thou Art ". Every night I would play that song in order to get to sleep. It gave me so much comfort when I needed it. During the last two weeks of my brother`s life , I moved to the hospital to be with my family. I didn`t have my tape but in a strange way i could turn that song on in my head. The day my brother was buried I buried a part of my parents with him. I came home to find my aunt returning what she thought was my tape. No one knows where the tape came from ,but I know , No explanation is needed... Life changed after that. I became very withdrawn. I was once a youth leader , and very active in my community. I just wanted to be with my parents in their difficult time and i found comfort in my Elvis things. A month after my brother`s death my family members and friends gave my parents tickets to take me to Graceland! I had just went through the worst time in my life and now My dream of a lifetime was coming true. They knew how much Elvis meant to me and maybe he was what I needed. I`ll never forget going through those gates ! It was like I was home. i had been there a million times in my dreams. Graceland was so untouched then. Elvis` cars were still in the carport. I know through God this was all the counseling I needed. Visiting his grave made me feel everything would be all right. I know i never saw Elvis in the flesh but that day I felt his spirit. Through Gods` intervention he helped get through this. My parents and i lost a beautiful little boy in 1983 but now i am blessed with two little boys and a wonderful husband. My parents never got over losing their son but they have learned to live with it. That is why Elvis means sooo much to me. He has done so much for people and continues to do so. His goodness outweigh the bad. He was a gift from God.

[midnight]

Oh yes I read the book" Alex , Life of a child". I also saw a movie based on that book but it was so difficult to watch.

[SeeSeeRider777]

To put it simply, Elvis was a cool dude.

[utmom2008]

Oh yes I read the book" Alex , Life of a child". I also saw a movie based on that book but it was so difficult to watch.

Thank you Kim for sharing your story..I am sitting here with tears in my eyes. I knew you had said in the past that Elvis and his music had helped you at some really low points. I TOTALLY understand what you are saying....Elvis can touch a part of your soul that NOTHING else does. The big mystery to me is why can't everyone else feel that, or see that? As far back as I can remember if I was having a tough time with anything I would turn to Elvis and find myself lost in his music. My son graduated from HS in 2004(the recent UT grad!!)...I had spent my entire life being a stay-at-home Mom to our 2 kids(Amy is 27). I had a really low point and suffered from the empty-nest syndrome as bad as any one person can. I thought I would surely die..my "identity" was "Amy & Andrew's mom", and I had to find out who I was without them. I went back into my Elvis time-capsule and re-discovered who I was. In a strange sort of way I feel like Elvis saved me. There is something very very special about Graceland and it happens the second you walk through those gates. I bet if someone were to do a scientific study they would find that everyone's blood pressure drops when they step on to what I call "holy ground". Last August I heard Diane Sawyer say that to many people a trip to GL has "become a spiritual journey"...I completely agree with that. I was SO NOT ready to leave last month..it had been a long time since I had felt that safe..that calm. It's difficult to explain to someone that's not into Elvis, but Elvis fans understand it completely. It's almost as though we speak a "secret language". :secret:

They say that you can "live" past the death of a child, but that you never really get over it. I pray to God it's something I never have to find out. Is June 2nd still a tough day for your family? How old are your little boys? Yes, we saw the the movie also about Alex DeFord. Craig T. Nelson played the dad. The 1st time it was on TV our daughter was a little girl. I will never forget that at one point my hubs got up and left the room, he said he just didn't think he could watch it. I really can't imagine anyone sitting through it if they have suffered a loss like that. I got the book out a little while ago..I couldn't remember for sure what she died from..it was CF. Thanks for sharing...if you ever want to talk more just give me a shout..I'm always close by.:D

[utmom2008]

Visiting his grave made me feel everything would be all right. I know i never saw Elvis in the flesh but that day I felt his spirit. Through Gods` intervention he helped get through this. That is why Elvis means sooo much to me. He has done so much for people and continues to do so. His goodness outweigh the bad. He was a gift from God.

No response needed except maybe AMEN.:blush::blush:

[cibetty]

Thank you very much Kim and Rosanne for sharing your life-stories and your own experiences with us. Kim, don't think that it was off-topic. It was very touching what you wrote. You are both so honest and so great persons, ladies.

[Tony Trout]

I remember really well when that happened..it got picked up by alot of newspapers. There is one part of the story that is false however.....there was no 2nd part of the show..at all. She either asked him to sing that before he took the stage that night..or it didn't happen(the song) the way they told it. Either way...Elvis never had an intermission.:blush::blush::blink::blink:
And..yes, I still have this article from when it was printed in the Dallas Morning News.



The meeting happened before the show took place. It couldn't have happened after the show because, as you mentioned, Elvis never did an encore. I believe Elvis flew back to Memphis after the April 19th, 1972 show.



Does anyone know what happened to the little girl? She would be 44 years old if she is still living.:blink: Wow....that makes you realize just how long ago that really was.:blush::sad:



Denise passed away a few weeks or months after this meeting took place. :'(

[midnight]

Wow Rosanne,that felt so good to get that off my chest. I am so happy to have a special Elvis friend who understands how I feel. My boys are 7 and 12 . My parents just adore them. They have made their lives worth living again. My mom is the only babysitter they have ever been with. I would never leave them with anyone else. I teach in the school they attend so they come to school with me each day. I have to put my picture on my personal page so you can see what little old me looks like. .... You know my computer skills are limited! I hope we are not boring anyone with our personal stories. Maybe we should be doing this some where else.... Here he goes again spreading his Elvis magic. Just think without him we would never be friends . Thanks for being my buddy.

[midnight]

Thanks for your compliment cibetty. I love talking about the good Elvis stories because so many like to dwell on the negative things in his life. He did so much for people and continues to do so..

[LianaKaralivanou]

This was such a touching story. I feel so emotional right now. I'm also extra sensitive to people who have cancer because I lost my dad too from this terrible disease 2 years ago. He died whithin 2 months time by speed lung cancer. There were no signs at first! In my eyes my father was always the...strongest man on earth. I thought that nothing bad could happen to him. But I was wrong...The only thing I regret now is that I didn't tell him how much I loved him and what he really meant for me before he died. But maybe he knew that.
Anyway, back to Elvis. I can see he was sensitive too to people who had health problems and that shows how generous he was and I'm not talking just for money but also for the generosity of his feelings. I think, I love him more now!

[marijaep]

This was such a touching story. I feel so emotional right now. I'm also extra sensitive to people who have cancer because I lost my dad too from this terrible disease 2 years ago. He died whithin 2 months time by speed lung cancer. There were no signs at first! In my eyes my father was always the...strongest man on earth. I thought that nothing bad could happen to him. But I was wrong...The only thing I regret now is that I didn't tell him how much I loved him and what he really meant for me before he died. But maybe he knew that.
Anyway, back to Elvis. I can see he was sensitive too to people who had health problems and that shows how generous he was and I'm not talking just for money but also for the generosity of his feelings. I think, I love him more now!

Aww Liana, I am sure your father knew you loved him and how much he meant to you :hug: I'm so sorry for what happened :( It must be really hard to lose someone very close.
Elvis had a heart of gold. This is one of the countless stories about him helping others or giving away to charity. He must have been a great friend. Although I never had the chance to meet him, because i was born too late - I terribly miss him :'(

[LianaKaralivanou]

Aww Liana, I am sure your father knew you loved him and how much he meant to you :hug: I'm so sorry for what happened :( It must be really hard to lose someone very close.
Elvis had a heart of gold. This is one of the countless stories about him helping others or giving away to charity. He must have been a great friend. Although I never had the chance to meet him, because i was born too late - I terribly miss him :'(


My sweet Marija, thank you for your kind words. I really want to believe that my father knew how much I loved him. That's why we must tell everyday to the people close to us (family, friends,etc.) how much we love them. Do it everyday! Don't miss your chance. Don't delay. You may regret it someday. You know, I sometimes ask myself, did Elvis hear quite often by his close people, how much they loved him? I hope he did.

[EnigmaticSun]

I just, well, sometimes agree on that, but most aren't in the spotlight quiet like Elvis was, and everything he did was magnified!!

Thanks to you and cameron for welcoming me back!

Ah well.. I suppose it's not just being famous (that complicated him). It's probably not way out of line to say it's lonely being honest in this world - on top of that, the majority hates quality.

So I suppose many were trying to discover weaknesses in him, out of envy or hate, just to see if they can make a man with faith, talent and dignity fall.

I think Elvis was extraordinarily gifted - some are gifted in mathematics, others in sports; but Elvis in music (arts). Some might not understand such a person or think he's a nutcase, but in reality he's just way above average and therefore lonely. Being gifted doesn't automatically make things easier.

But love is the best, it stands above talent or skill. And he showed that to this girl, it's what made him stand out among entertainers and rockstars.

[rhythmknights]

THEN, it was time for ELVIS!!!(y)(y) Elvis stayed on stage on an average of 60-75 minutes, and he NEVER did an encore.
didn't he stay on stage longer at the New Year's Eve show - Atlanta? - he was in a good mood and told the audience that he'd stay as long as they wanted him too? or i could be wrong.

......Older people die with achievements, memories. Children die with opportunities, dreams. They carry the hopes of all of us when they go off. :sad::sad::sad:[/QUOTE]
what a beautiful statement. this brought tears to my eyes

[renapap05]

Oh,it was really a touching story...Elvis was sooo kind with his fans...:'( I am very moved after reading this story...Thanks Betti for sharing.God bless:'(:'( :notworthy