He Wants to be a Millionaire
In addition to my job on Today, I'm lucky enough to host the syndicated version of Who Wants to be A Millionaire. In the five years I've been with Millionaire, I've met some incredibly wonderful people.
At yesterday’s taping, we had on a man from Akron, Ohio who was an emergency room doctor training in pediatric care. I'm always fascinated as to why people do the jobs they do. I asked him how he was able to work with such sick children, especially since he's a new dad himself. (I don't think I could handle seeing little ones in such pain on a daily basis, even though I've often thought it would be great to be a pediatric therapeutic clown.)
He said it was payback for when he had been a little boy with cancer; he had to undergo several surgeries and will never forget the doctors and the nurses who held his hand every step of the way and kept his spirits up, even when he was scared. I admired how he has been able to come full circle and give back a piece of himself--that's the most any of us can ask.
Why did he want to play Millionaire? He and his wife, a pediatrician herself, are $400,000 in debt from college and medical school. I can't say how he did on the show because it hasn't aired yet, but I can tell you my experience with him was priceless.
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WOW - that's such an amazing story! It's got to be great to meet people like this - and to share their stories so that everyone takes a little time to appreciate those "everyday heroes" all around us!
Hello Meredith. I am a big fan of the millionaire show. I live on the other side of the country - San Diego. Otherwise, I would audition for the show. By the way, I have a question. What is the time difference between when you guys tape the show and when it is aired?
Sanj :-)
There are all kinds of people that help sick children. A friend of mine was an English tutor at the Mayo Clinic for children with cancer. One day a child said that he knew he was going to get well, because why else would they make him diagram sentences.
Enjoy your day.
Meredith...you're a lucky gal, getting to meet all kinds of cool people almost every day.
My Mom and I watch "Millionaire" every day, so we'll be sure to look out for the ER doc from Akron (we live in Kentucky).
About the therapeutic clown... I think that one day, you REALLY should do it! How about putting on your "clown act" and making it a segment on "Today". I think we would all love to see that -- something fun and touching like that. Just don't get clown lessons from that other clown -- Mr. Roker! :)
Here's an idea -- wanna see kids receiving therapy and having a ball at the same time? I would recommend visiting an occupational therapy (OT) clinic and check out what is called "sensory integration therapy". That will be my specialization as an OT-to-be. You won't see suffering kids there -- they all have so much fun with it!! This could be another "Today" segment.
I'm 41, and I recently had some of this therapy myself. It is a blast! I'm a real kid-at-heart!
Meredith, be a clown...GO FOR IT!
Joe
Merideth,
I want him to be a millionaire too! I volunteer in a children's hospital and the people that work their are living saints.
I think its lame they don't make as much money as pop stars or athletes...they should make the most!
Hi Meredith,
I just discovered your blog and enjoyed reading all your posts to date. Each has been insightful and funny, you have a great sense of humor.
I am a huge fan of both Today and The View. Your move to Today was a win, win situation. Youâre doing a great job!
My sister is the Pediatric Life Specialist at a local hospital here in Miami. Every few years she needs to take a sabbatical to recharge her batteries. The toll the job takes on her emotionally is very hard to watch. But, she would never quit. She loves the kids as much as her own.
I will be adding your blog to my daily reading list.
Thanksâ¦..Betsy
I'm the contestant that you wote those wonderful words about in your blog. It was one of the best experiences of my like and I want to thank you so much for making it so easy to keep my cool. I should mention(since I forgot to on the show) that my Mom is a nurse and also had a big part of me becoming a doctor. Thank you and your staff for such a great experience!! Keep up the good work
What a great story! I'll try to keep an eye out for that guy!
I just have to gush a little (I don't know if that's tacky), but I love you on the Today show! I watch you before school and I think you're just rockin it! :) I think its great that you are taking time from your busy life to blog! Thanks!
Can't wait to see the show. What touches you, often touches the rest of us. Keep feeling!
You're are a wonderful on the Today show as well as Who Wants to be a Millionaire. You come across as sincere, kind and just an all around good person. Don't evr change you're beautiful on the inside as well as on the outside.
$400,000 of schooling debt for 2 doctors who are doing what they can to help people, not to mention the likely unbelievable costs of their insurance coverage due to lawsuits, etc. ... I find it sad that we don't value our teachers, Emergency personnel, and others who choose to give so much to the community.
Wow, I hope he won a chunk o'change to help pay down that debt significantly if not pay it off completely.
Hi Meredith!
That is such an inspiring story. I wish more people out there took an attitude like those 2 doctors did. I hope the gentleman won a bunch of money to help out and, as a fellow Buckeye (Ohioan), will have to be on the lookout to catch the show when it airs.
I also wanted to say I've enjoyed reading your blog and the work you've done both on the View (you were my favorite of all 4 ladies on there) and the Today.... Thanks for sharing your world with us.
hello Meredith!
first i am a fan of urs , i just love ur show , and it was such a good story thnx for sharinig
Hi Meredith,
I agree with Marie Alice, you are very sincere and a hottie as well. I just want to let you know I watch your show every morning! Unfortunately, I'm 38 years old, unemployed, and live with my Mother. Yep, I failed to launch. How difficult is it for me to have an emotionally rewarding career like you, Matt, Al, and Ann? You guys rock! I believe those who use their God-given gifts to help others are the "Real Millionairs." I've read and followed Rick Warren's advise in Purpose Driven Life but it has tarnished my resume. Corporate America is so unforgiving but some of the segments your show does has inspired me to improve my life. I work hard to improve my stregnths and weaknesses but still find it hard to find a meaningful career like y'all. It's hard to find work in areas you're gifted for which there is no job demand but I know if I keep watching your show I'll find that one truly rewarding career. Keep up the good work! I gotta go and look for a career.
John
HI MEREDITH, I AM 71 YEARS OLD BUT I LOVE AND ADMIRE YOU. YOU DO A GOOD JOB AT EVERYTHING YOU DO. I LOVE YOUR SMILE AND YOU LOOK LIKE NOTHING WORRIES YOU BUT I KNOW YOU ARE LIKE THE REST OF US, WE ALL HAVE WORRIES AND SAD MOMENTS. WE LOST TWO OF OUR THREE CHILDREN TO LEUKEMIA, 14 AND 5 YEARS OLD. I LOVE TO SEE SOMEONE SO POSITIVE AND LOOKS ON THE BRIGHT SIDE. IT IS HARD FOR US TO DO BUT WE DO TRY BECAUSE WE THINK THAT IS THE WAY OUR CHILDREN WOULD WANT US TO DO.
KEEP DOING SUCH GOOD WORK AND ALWAYS KEEP THAT SMILE AS WE ALL LOVE TO SEE IT. BEST WISHES ON YOUR NEW JOB. THANKS FOR YOUR STORY.
Hi Meredith, Really enjoy you on the Today show and also the Millionaire show. I never watched the Today show until you moved there. Just want you to know that what I like about you is you are down to earth and have a great sense of humor. I admire you for all you do. Good luck.
Sammie Morris
Im a big fan of millionaire myself, i think its the one show on television, that add uses true thought process and and alot of fun to watch, i think, (seeing the show) every night, like you said, so many different types of personalities, makes the types of people and what they do show so much more intersting to watch, even emotional at times, will be looking forward to how the gentlemen does, and btw when was the last time someone actually won the million? lol
scott (new york)
Hello Meredith. I'm also a big fan of your show, which places me in the same group as millions and millions of others. I'm especially watchful of the "text" of some questions that are presented to a contestant. Today, Dec. 10th, I noted an obvious ERROR that dealt with the name of a Native-American tribe and "codetalking" in World War II. Specifically, the question was about (Native American) U.S. soldier "codetalkers" who were successful during World War II in using their tribal language to confuse Japanese listeners of our military radio transmissions in the battlefield. The text of the question mentioned the "Comanche" tribe. However, the "codetalkers" of World War II were certainly NOT members of the Commanche tribe, but instead were "Navajo." The "Commanche" tribal members who proudly served in World War II were NOT part of the "codetalker" legacy at all. That proud distinction remains with the Navajo of Arizona and New Mexico. Just wanted to mention it! Thanks.