Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, March 19, 1990 TAG: 9003222428
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A/2 EDITION: EVENING
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: NEW YORK LENGTH: Short
The Reagans visited the severely burned boy Sunday evening at New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center, just hours after the youth had had a visit from actor Bill Cosby.
The outpouring of sympathy and good wishes from around the country, most of it from people he's never met, began after the March 7 attack by a 13-year-old boy from David's neighborhood.
More than 400 cards and letters arrived in a single day, along with an assortment of stuffed animals, posters and baseball caps. He also received numerous gifts, flowers and balloons on his 12th birthday, the day after the brutal attack.
"You not only can have a great feeling for him and his recovery, but down deep there is a resentment that these things can happen," the former president said after spending a few minutes with Opont.
If his recovery goes perfectly, David could be out of the hospital in June. If there are any complications, he could die. His chances of making a full recovery remain only 50-50, doctors said.
A fund set up to cover David's massive medical expenses received between 15,000 and 20,000 donations in five days, said Opont family lawyer Michael Prieto, who is overseeing the contributions. About two dozen local clergy are holding a week-long prayer vigil at the hospital, where David will probably spend the next 12 weeks.
by CNB