Linda Shank - 80's Director
LINDA SHANK – 80’S DIRECTOR
Let me take wonderful trips down memory lane... I can add, that I agree 100% in that Carole and I have become life-long friends; in fact we still try to get together at least a few times each year –even after all of these years, because of our love for one another!
As Carole noted I came in after Sherry Johnson, she was well-liked by the Dolls, so the transition took a bit of time. I decided to have each Doll come in for a personal visit so that we could get to know one another. I remember being so impressed with what the young women were doing outside of being a Doll, and beyond the scope of their showmanship talents, (or should I say “show-woman-ship”). All had busy, active lives – whether they were in school, into or starting new careers, were new mothers – just to name a few examples. Those are the things I very much wished the public would be able to hear about; however that was always a difficult accomplishment to fulfill.
My favorite memories are hard to whittle down, however the USO tours were those of which I am most proud. Handling the business side meant that I initialized the contact with the Department of Defense and worked with them directly throughout many long months, to help assure that we would get the try-outs we deserved, so we could finally get our first tour!!
The entire USO experience was a very exciting, although sometimes a very exacerbating time for us. Even still, the fact that Carole and the USO troupe put together such a phenomenal show was not a surprise. It was fabulous and heartily welcomed everywhere we went, with standing O’s to end each show. In fact, during the Germany tour, which I was able to be a part of, our troupe even had “groupies” who followed the Dolls from town to town. Of course, visiting service personnel and actually getting to speak with them was also such a highlight. The lowlight – not having snow in Germany for Christmas as everyone wanted to see snow (for many it would have been the first time ever)!
The costumes were AMAZING, designed collaboratively and made single-handedly (at least that is what I recall) by one of the Doll’s mothers. The show itself, was a collection of dances including tap, jazz (?) and numerous other styles that only Carole and the Dolls would understand, being that I was such a dancer –not... We also had unbelievable singers and even a comedy routine; thus it was one of the most well-rounded and entertaining shows the USO had to offer.
On a personal note, there are a few memories that I want to share.
One is when our son, Jeff, played little league football, and our daughter, Stacy, was a little cheerleader. A few of the Dolls came out to cheer Jeff’s team, and I thought the kids were going to love that – how naïve was I?! It was the big brothers and Dads who loved it!!
Another memory is when our son, who was in the 8th grade at the time, was able to bring a few of his guy friends to the game – you know, those lovely folding chair seats they reserved for all of us... After the games, Carole and I always went down to the Dolls’ “locker” room to make sure nothing was left behind, etc. So the boys got to meet a few Dolls and one even got a kiss on the cheek. As we were driving them all home (of course, they thought they were all 8th grade “studs”) we here from the back seat “ I am never going to wash this cheek again”...
The most significant and poignant memory I have is from 1983. That year our daughter was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis (CF), she was 9 years old. While she was in the hospital some of the Dolls stopped by to visit, which was so special, not just for Stacy but for all of the other kids/families on the unit.
Specifically on my birthday that year, the Dolls presented me with a huge facsimile check representing the amount of dollars the Dolls collected and were donating to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation - in honor of Stacy. It was heartwarming, and for me, an overwhelming gesture, obviously one I will never forget; nor did Stacy. The story of the Dolls’ generosity and caring even made the national news, as it should have!
Stacy lived to be 21 years old; she was in nursing school at the time of her passing. During her life she was well loved by so many and lucky (especially with having CF) to be very active. She was a little league, middle school and high school cheerleader; a drill team member in high school, and a swimmer/life guard - among many other things.
I left the Dolls the year before it was disbanded, but when I think of that time it is with fondest memories, especially regarding the true essence of who these young women were and what it was like for them to be a Doll, and of course the gift of working with Carole Walker.
For the last 17+ years I have worked at MD Anderson Cancer Center. I am currently an administrator in the division of nursing (although not a nurse). I have been exceedingly fortunate to work here, as I have literally loved/enjoyed each career step I have been able to make. NOTE: when I was with the Dolls, one of the Dolls was interning at MD Anderson; from what I understand she is a physician.
Thanks for allowing me to share my memories.
