Known to virtually all conscious Americans in October 1987 as "Baby Jessica," Jessica McClure, 18 months old, had fallen down a Midland,TX, well and was stuck in the well pipe for 58 hours while rescuers tried desperately to free her. A new media company at that time, CNN, was on the spot, bringing constant coverage.
Little Jessica had been playing in an aunt's back yard when she ended up wedged in an 8-inch pipe, 22 feet down the well.
Rescuers pumped in air and some heat while working on digging rescue shafts to reach her. In the end she was saved, but had to have some 15 operations.
Her rescue was one of those "the whole world is watching moments." When sufficiently recovered, she was invited to the White House by President George H.W. Bush.
Donations came in from everywhere and were placed in a trust that she can access when she turns 25. The total now is said to be around $1 million.
Meanwhile, Jessica married in 2006 and has a son.
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