News 8
8-year-old cancer patient had life transformed by Jackson 
08:38 PM CDT on Friday, June 26, 2009
>FORT WORTH - Despite the controversy that overshadowed his life in recent years, Jackson touched many people through his music and generosity.
He changed a North Texas boy's life when he needed it most.
Leroy Robinson Jr. was just eight years old when Michael Jackson's Victory Tour came through Dallas in the 1980s.
The Fort Worth boy was dying of a brain tumor and his final wish was to meet the King of Pop.
It was July 1984 and Michael Jackson came to Texas Stadium.
Out of the tens of thousands in the crowd, Leroy Jr. stood out.
Through the Make a Wish Foundation, his father, Leroy Sr. received four tickets for the July 13th show.
His son was wheeled into the concert on his hospital bed because he couldn't walk.
"Michael was so popular, that was like winning a million bucks, winning the lottery," said Leroy Sr.
But promoters say Jackson was so touched by his situation, he met Robinson and his family after the show.
His sister, Demeta Gales, who now lives out of state, remembers the 10-minute visit and the mementos Jackson gave them.
He autographed a glove, adding "To my Texas friend."
Jackson also signed an autographed photo for her.
It was a once-in-a-lifetime meeting that she feels changed her brother's life.
He died less than two years later, at the age of ten.
But during his final days, there was a noticeable difference.
"It made life much easier because he didn't seem to suffer because he was happy of having his memory of meeting his idol," said Gales.
E-mail ccivale@wfaa.com.
