Charlie

April’s mother, Paige, and brother, Charlie, have come to Baywatch. Charlie has a rare form of cancer and he is getting treatment at UCLA. At first April is not happy to have her family at Baywatch, seeing Charlie so sick is hard for her because she doesn’t like everyone being nice to Charlie out of pity. In a state of emotional turmoil, she reveals to Mitch that Charlie is not really having treatment done at UCLA. He is merely a research tool for the scientists who are working to better treat and detect his type of cancer. Charlie is going to die, and very soon. April apologizes to Mitch because she thinks having Charlie around must be a downer for everyone, but he sets her straight. Mitch shows April how inspiring Charlie really is. Charlie has enough courage and strength to help out other kids who are sick by allowing the scientists to do tests on him. April realizes Mitch is right.

It is time for the annual Taplin dory race. For seven years Mitch and Newman have won, but this year Mitch isn’t going to participate. He wants to let Hobie have a turn, but Hobie goes to Mitch and tells him to race. Hobie says that he plans to win, but he can’t be the best without beating the best and eventually he convinces Mitch to take part. During the race, Mitch and Newman have the lead until the third leg when Hobie and Ingo come up close behind them until it all depends on the run up the beach. Hobie beats Mitch in a last sprint towards the finish line. The seven year streak is broken, but Mitch feels prouder than ever. Hobie decides to give the trophy to Charlie.

Meanwhile, Charlie is having the time of his life with the lifeguards. He loves being on the beach and learning about lifeguarding and he even starts to help. Mitch takes him out on a windjet and lets him drive. Hobie writes a song with Charlie. April is grateful to them for making Charlie’s last days so special. When Charlie dies, the lifeguards give their own special salute to him. They play the song he wrote with Hobie and proclaim his courage and strength all across the beach, calling him a hero.

PRODUCERS NOTE:
This is the true story of Charlie Everett Hays (June 29, 1984 – January 30, 1997). Because of his life, researchers found the genetic marker for Medullary Thyroid Cancer, a rare disease found in children. In the future, early detection of this form of cancer should prevent children from dying.

Michael Cuccioni, who portrays Charlie Hays in this episode, is one of those children Charlie helped save. Michael has been in remission for two years.

Michael Berk
Executive Producer