Foundation Supporter Kris Campbell “Scrubs” in for TV Debut

On an unusually chilly day in Southern California, three-year brain tumor survivor Kris Campbell and her sister, Beth Shenberger, were thrilled to join the cast of NBC's "Scrubs."   Kris, a board member for the Tug McGraw Foundation, and her husband, Harry, had purchased this walk-on opportunity at the beHeadStrong Auction in Kansas City last September, an event that raised $90,000 for the Tug McGraw Foundation and the Tug McGraw Research Center at Duke University.

"Scrubs", now in its sixth season, is filmed in a decommissioned hospital in North Hollywood, miles from the NBC Studios.  Everything from writing and editing to filming and post-production takes place in this location.  The imaginative and original environment is exactly what you'd expect from this fun, edgy cast. 

Pictured from left are Bill Lawrence, creator and executive producer of “Scrubs”; Beth Shenberger, Kris Campbell’s sister; Kris Campbell; and Zach Braff, who plays the starring role of “J.D.” on “Scrubs.”

The first star Kris and Beth met was "Turk" (actor Donald Faison).  He was clad in flannel boxer shorts, walking around the third floor, where the stars have dressing rooms in old patient rooms.  The boxers turned out to be a costume for a scene involving an udder.

Yes, an udder.  Don’t ask; you’ve just gotta see it for yourself.

The two were also surprised to find that the cast members brought their dogs to work.   Kris and her sister Beth were greeted enthusiastically by series star Zach Braff's dog Roscoe, on their visit to the set.  Roscoe brought along Braff himself ("J.D."), as well as series creator/producer Bill Lawrence. 

In the episode (#6-11) that aired on March 2 called “My Night to Remember,” viewers saw that Dr. Cox (John C. McGinley) had shaved his red curly locks.  Those that looked closely – and many did – also saw Kris and Beth.  It’s true; they did NOT land on the editing room floor! 

In the scene in which Dr. Cox berates his interns – (yes, this happens every episode) – Kris (a nurse) and Beth (a doctor) were seen performing very official hospital functions in the ICU (intensive care unit).  Kris was also caught "in the act" as one of the hospital's pilfering nurses (she swears she did not take ANY souvenirs from the set, other than getting a picture with Bill Lawrence and Zach Braff!).  

"’Scrubs’ was a fascinating opportunity to see the variety of jobs other people have,” said Beth, a human resources manager from Illinois.  “The cast and crew welcomed us and made the experience great fun.  But best of all, it was for a great cause."

As for Kris, she is quick to put aside her newfound celebrity, shining the spotlight on what she views as the “real” star of the show…her Tug McGraw bracelet.  “I made sure to put it on whichever wrist was going to be in each shot!” said the budding actress. 

She had to know that her “45YGB” bracelet representing the Tug McGraw Foundation would find its moment on the screen and in the spotlight.  So look carefully…

…it did!

If you missed the episode, you can download the entire episode called “My Night to Remember” for $1.99 from iTunes and share her moments on the show