Does anybody have the information on the family Simon helped? I didn't record it and I wondered where they take Madeline for treatment to try to help out in any way. That's one story that touched deeply.

Hello, here is a link to the show page. I hope you find this information helpful:

http://www.oprah.com/tows/pastshows/200803/tows_past_20080317.jhtml

-HarpoBear, Oprah.com Community Producer

I was appalled, shocked, and thoroughly offended by the big white lipped, bug eyed black ventriloquist doll used by Terry the ventriloquist on the show today. As well as by Oprah's seemingly enthusiastic response to it. What an unpleasant throwback!!!!!

Okay, I missed WHY the little girl was in need of medical treatment (I had the volume down because I was on the phone). The family was from Claremont, Minnesota, and she was admitted to St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, MN, and then went to Mayo Clinic to see specialists and for testing would be my guess. I did catch that Simon wrote out a personal check to cover their $160,000 mortgage as their medical bills must be skyrocketing.

No, the link that was provided by the studio was not helpful. It just took you back to the original page where the only info was regarding Simon's finding talent and some comments about Idol. There was nothing (at least anything that could be easily connected/linked to the medical story at the end of the show) helpful with link provided. Obviously, that staffer just linked back to the general synopsis of today's show without knowing what was in that link or explaining how to get the requested information. I find that quite unusual for my experiences here.

Fantastic link. Thanks for the info......and so quickly. If you don't mind, I will forward the info to my parents (extended family from Claremont area) and a few friends. Thanks again for the quick response!

Simon I always felt that deep down inside that rigid body of yours was a heart as big as gold ... what you did for the family today with the precious child was absolutely wonderful .... From here on in Simon you are MY AMERICAN IDOL even though I do live in Canada : )

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee get a life !!!!

Huh? Lighten up Francis. Why is it that people always complain and have negative feedback?

You guys were not fair to Carlana. Maybe there was footage that I did't see but I also didn't see anything wrong with Carlana wanting to be involved more. The part that got me was when Kim and Rachel left Carlana and Sheg behind. This was a tough one but I felt that Oprah didn't recognize that Rachel was a bit difficult. It wasn't all Carlana.

I understand. I did have to take a harder look at the puppet but it was totally innocent. No harm was meant I'm sure.

That was one of the most touching Oprah's I've seen. The story of Madeline was heartbreaking...I was sobbing and thinking I have GOT to do something for this family. Don't have much but I've got my health and the ability to make a living to help someone else. Then to my utter amazement Simon has become their gardian angel. I've loved him from the start for his honesty but now as I saw someone else say, I love him for his heart.
The only other shows that have affected me this deeply have been the South Africa specials. And, actually Simon showed his heart during the Idol Africa trip as well!

I agree. I no longer feel that Simon is a butt....
Simon should let this inner light shine all the time

too bad that instead of appreciating Terry's talent, you had to find something
negative. what did you want to see?....Marvin Gaye was a black entertainer!!

That was not called for. I understand what he or she was talking about. They should be able to express feelings without harrassment.

To the person that asked - the little girl had cancer. They possibly traveled so far from home for treatment because that is where her best options are. Many pediatric cancer patients do that. Although, I understand it was probably meant to be a "surprise" for the show, I was very upset that this was not advertised. As someone who has been writing into the Oprah show for the past three years requesting a pediatric cancer show - I would have liked to see this story attract more viewers. I was pleased that it was given a fair amount of airtime though. I was so touched by Simon's effort today.