I never met the woman who made the biggest difference in my life. I had polio at age three. When I was released from the hospital, the doctors told my parents I would never even be able to sit up in bed.
At that time there was a great deal of infighting in the medical field over polio, which had outbreaks approaching epidemic proportions in the late 1940's and early 1950's. A newer better way of treating the disease had been developed, but was not being implemented universally because it had been developed by someone who was not only a woman, but also was just a lowly nurse. Neither women nor nurses were held in very much esteem bu the medical field in those days. Another negative was that this woman was an Australian, not an American. The woman I honor was Elizabeth Kenny, also known as Sister Kenny. She gave me back my life.
Shortly after my first hospitalization ended, my Dad heard about a different hospital in a town about an hour away from my home where her new method of treatment was being implemented. Within a few days he had arranged for my admission there.
I was carried in to the hospital on a Wednesday. I could not sit, stand or walk. When my parents visted me four days later on Sunday, They found me kneeling up in bed, a task which was supposed to be impossible for me. I spent several months there receiving treatment. I never recovered completely, but the improvement was fantastic. Because of Elizabeth Kenny I was able to walk (with crutches), go to school, marry the love of my life, adopt four children, have a career, and live a wonderful, and fulfilling life.
Thank you Elizabeth Kenny.
Smooches,
Keri
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