Franklin D. Roosevelt was one of the greatest Presidents we have ever elected to that office. But he was also the only President that was handicapped. He contracted polio at a time when little was known about it, and the treatments varied. But his determination to overcome it was legendary. In fact, many consider his efforts to over come polio as one of his greatest legacies. One of those legacy’s is the focus of today’s Family First Site, as it is one that was near and dear to him before he was elected to the presidency, and it was here that he passed away in April 1945.
The site is the Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute for Rehabilitation, and is located about one hour south of Atlanta, Georgia. Here is where the President went for treatment for polio, which he contracted at age 39. It was of such benefits to him that he created this organization in 1927. But over the years the varieties of care and ailments that are administered here have increased. Polio was largely eradicated in the early 1960’s in this country, and the focus shifted to other treating other similar disabling diseases such as mental retardation, spinal cord and brain injuries, and strokes. The site is full of information on the mission of the center, opportunities to become involved with it, and how the work is actually done. The amount and variety of work be done here is a testimony of not only the people doing the work, but the character and drive of the President.
President Roosevelt believed, up until his final months, that he truly would overcome his handicapping disease, and walk again. Unfortunately that didn’t happen. But someday, it may happen for some other person, young or old. The Institute is a place where it can happen.
http://rooseveltrehab.org/
