Living Miracles
I was so impressed and astonished by the stories told by these amazing survivors. I wish them all peace and happiness in their lives. If they were able to overcome these tremendous events, they indeed will be able to accomplish anything!
Lesley Royak, Cranston, R.I.

My brother left a message on my voice mail to get the Aug. 5 issue of PEOPLE. When I followed his instructions, it was instantly clear why. Nearly 13 years ago I was struck down by the same rare illness as Rebecca Olch, Wilson's disease. After two months in the hospital and nearly a year of recuperation, I graduated from college and went on to earn my master's in journalism and have a career as a reporter. If one individual signs a donor card because of her article or this letter, the world automatically becomes a better place.
David Waldon, Los Angeles, Calif.

Your article showed a severe lack of judgment with the coverage of Paul Wilk, the man who fell from a railroad trestle as he attempted to recover his wallet. While thanking God for Paul's miraculous survival, one should pause to reflect upon the fact that he was lucky to have fallen in mud, where he had a chance of survival, rather than being hit by a speeding train. Railroad tracks, bridges, tunnels and other structures are dangerous places and are not meant for hiking or taking shortcuts, something that your story failed to mention.
Kevin O'Neil, LaSalle, Ont.

I find it hard to believe that Joan Murray would start skydiving again after surviving her awful accident. I guess some people never learn.
Beth Sum, Chicago, III.

How utterly heartwarming to read about real people, real tragedies and real recoveries.
Candace Satterlee, San Diego, Calif.

Michael Jackson
It's very refreshing to see an unbiased, fact-based article concerning Michael Jackson these days. I don't agree that Jackson's "tirade" was simply a publicity stunt, and I do feel there might be some truth in his claims. I'm an 18-year-old who supposedly controls radio play, and I would much rather hear Michael.
Elizabeth Thomsen, Tully, N.Y.

I was upset after reading your article about the King of Pop. The attacks on his lifestyle, surgeries and supposed financial woes painted a distorted picture of him. Your story did not explore why Michael felt he and other artists were being discriminated against, yet you come to the conclusion that Michael is "weirder than usual" for expressing his opinion. PEOPLE, when the day comes and Michael is no longer with us, it will be too late to praise and honor his memory after you have already chewed him to pieces.
Jackie Rhone, Aurora, III.

Michael Jackson needs to realize that he is the reason that his record sales are low. He went from being a pop icon to a complete freak. As one of his original fans, I cannot follow a Neverland kind of a guy. It's time for him to grow up. I did, along with the rest of the fans.
Amy Goettl, Chaska, Minn.

Samantha Runnion
I only know Samantha Runnion from her photograph, but as a mother, I have not been able to stop thinking about her. When I look at Samantha's picture, I see a beautiful and happy 5-year-old who should have had many more years of life ahead of her. There is no just legal sentence for murdering a child.
Heather Geismann, Chicago, III.

Dr. George Grossberg
I would like to thank PEOPLE for writing about a topic that is very dear to me because my father had Alzheimer's. In the article you briefly touched on my work in the campaign to determine the difference between normal aging and the early stages of Alzheimer's. With the help of the National Family Caregivers Association, I developed a kit for those dealing with this issue. It's available free of charge by calling 1-877-439-3566 or visiting www.nfcacares.org.
Linda Dano, New York, N.Y.

James Traficant
You've got to be kidding! Ohio Rep. James Traficant's wife is a hairdresser? Allowing your husband to walk around looking like a mop head is a crime in and of itself. It's time for Mrs. Traficant to take a competency test.
Debbie Mitchell, Atascadero, Calif.

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Editor's Note
When Traficant was booked in July at Akron's Summit County jail, authorities learned he was wearing a hairpiece.