While battling a health crisis, Chris Wedes, better known as J.P. Patches, still wears a smile, and plaid vest of buttons and badges. With sidekick, Bob Newman, a.k.a. Gertrude, the two Seattle icons clowned around on KIRO-TV from the 1950s through the early 1980s.

J.P. Patches gave a speech and signed autographs to a crowd of fans at the Viewlands Elementary School reunion and closing party last June 16th.

Recently diagnosed with multiple myeloma cancer, an incurable but treatable blood disease, Wedes, 79, will continue to make occasional public appearances to the delight of his now grown-up "pals" and their children, who have never seen his ironic antics on the tube. Mayor Greg Nickels declared last Monday J.P. Patches Day in Seattle.

Bryan Johnston, KIRO-TV's senior writer and producer in creative services, is helping Wedes and Newman raise money for a J.P. Patches and Gertrude statue near the north end of the in Fremont Bridge. Once paid for, further donations will go to Children's Hospital. The statue itself will accept money, much like Rachel the piggy bank at Pike Place Market. Donations can be made at http://www.jppatches@jppatches.com