Steve’s Special Angel
(Lauren Raffina Fund Event)
Soap Opera Update
July 4, 1988
I Met an Angel
Poem by Stephen Nichols
Illustration by Connie Chinaglia
I met an angel a while ago,
She flew into my life
From the heavens she was sent to me
To Show just what I can be
Through the dark clouds of my feeble mind
This tiny angel filled my heart
Now and always she’ll remain
Of my soul she’s a part
I talk and sing and play all day
With my dear, sweet, angel girl
We are one- together joined right now
With All the children of the world
She shows me love is unconditional
A gift that I must bring
She gives me hope and gratitude
For every living thing.
I met an angel- a pretty girl
Who never gave up tryin’
Only one description fits my girl-
the soul of an angel, the heart of a lion.
***
Lauren Raffino was a vibrant and spirited 14 year old with an amazing zest for life. Despite her long and courageous battle with leukemia, Lauren was not one to complain, but in fact, a true inspiration to all who knew her.
Several months before Lauren lost her life to this dreaded disease, she made a request to the Starlight foundation (an organization which grants wishes to critically and terminally ill children). The request was simple- Lauren wanted to speak on the phone to Stephen Nichols from Days of our Lives.
Lauren got her special wish and much more. A phone call from Stephen fostered a deep and enduring friendship. Still, less than a year later, Lauren was gone.
What was it that attracted Lauren to Stephen in the last months of her life? Was it the vulnerability of the character he plays?
Patch, like Lauren, seemed to overcome so much- the crippling emotional traumas of his past, the starkly visible physical limitation he has to live with. Was this what drew Lauren to Steve (Stephen)? Perhaps. But more than anything else, Lauren saw something noble and sensitive in Steve (Stephen) – something that made her feel instantly at ease with him. Maybe it was because she believed Steve viewed her as someone very special.
Lauren was proven to be right. Touched by Lauren’s life and tragic death, Steve Nichols, a man of obvious integrity and conviction, generously offered his time and talent to Lauren’s family to help generate additional monies for a trust fund set up in Lauren’s memory. The purpose of this fund is to provide scholarships to disadvantaged and academically advanced high school students.
Stephen’s affection for Lauren was contagious. It inspired Mary Beth Evans, who plays Steve’s on screen love, Kayla, to take precious time away from her husband and new baby to participate in a fundraising event at the Aspen Hotel in Parsippany, New Jersey.
The day’s program began with a series of music videos tracing the love affair of Kayla and Steve, an auction of Days memorabilia, a Patch and Kayla look-alike contest, and a special musical performance featuring Stephen Nichols.
Overshadowing this fun-filled day, however, was the sense of dedication and commitment evidenced by Stephen and Mary Beth. Despite the long flight from L.A, they seemed inexhaustible. They were both constantly on stage, talking to the audience, assisting in getting the best prices for the auction items, giving great testimony to the obvious onscreen chemistry they have mastered for all to see. Giving his co-star an affectionate hug, Steve proclaimed, “She’s my best friend on the show.” When Mary Beth looked demurely away, he went on to explain, “She’s the shy one,” taking great delight in the blush that came to her cheek. But Mary Beth was to have her revenge. When a tour of the Days of our Lives set by Mary Beth brought in a higher bid than similar tour hosted by Stephen, she couldn’t resist the urge to needle him a bit. Stephen retorted with mock indignation.
Lauren’s family was also touched and surprised by the success of the festivities and by Stephen and Mary Beth’s untiring commitment to make the day truly memorable. One family member remarked, “This is all beyond our wildest dreams. There are so many children we can now help because of wonderful people like Mary Beth and Stephen. This has turned out to be a wonderful memorial and tribute to Lauren’s memory, to last for all the days of our lives.”
While the mood of the event was meant to be festive and upbeat, Stephen couldn’t ignore the absence of the spunky 14 year old girl who had stolen his heart less than a year before. With his strong voice crackling softly with emotion, Steve silenced the excited crowd with these words: “I know in my heart and soul that Lauren is with us today, she is at peace, she is laughing and loving us now and forevermore. Lauren thanks for letting us know you. We love you”.
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