Shelley Fabares Says Thank You

Dear Friends of AMC,

As you might suspect, the woman I've been honored to call "Sis" for more than forty years, Shelley Fabares, is one of the original members of A Minor Consideration. The news of her liver transplant is all over the news, and rightly so since Shelley has been coming into America's living rooms since the 50's.

Carl Betz, whom Shelley called "Carlo," tagged Shelley with a nickname that is directly tied to Donna Reed's actual name, Donna Belle Mullenger. "Carlo" called her "Shelley-Belle," and in his honor (and because the name fits perfectly), so do I.

Quickly, at this hour Shelley is resting comfortably and the doctors are pleased with the results of the transplant. She is stable. Most of you know that rejection is the enemy now. Prayers work, so use them if you've a mind to. Thank you for the expressions of concern and positive thoughts. I will pass them along to Shelley-Belle.

Let me share with you the fact that just eight days ago Shelley chaired a Donna Reed Foundation teleconference, remaining loyal to her commitment to her television Mom. My television Sister deals with adversity as gracefully as anyone I've ever known; her mother's Alzheimer's, Annette's illness, and now this. She is brave and resourceful, and I've little doubt that she will add organ transplants to her list of "must do" charitable work. I'm already teasing her because I'm the one who did all the drinking and my liver's fine. I'm sure I'll be getting a sharp elbow in the ribs real soon.

Thank you all for caring about Shelley-Belle. Her husband, Mike Farrell, will be bringing in sacks of mail, I'm sure. All the members of A Minor Consideration wish Shelley Fabares a speedy return to health. It's times like these that remind us just how large a child star's "family" is. We'll keep you posted.

Fraternally,
Paul Petersen