Thomas, Mary - Polk County

General Comments:

I was born in South Dakota. I have lived in Iowa since 1966, my senior year in high school. My parents were married young. My mother was 18 yr. old and my dad was 19 yr. old. I was their first born. The first of six children. My parents first noticed that I was having problems walking when I was 3 yr. old.(1952).  My right leg was shorter and turned in. They took me to a specialist and polio was diagnosed. The clinic where I went had father/son physicians by the name of Van De Mark. The father, Guy, told my parents that nothing could be done. Take me home and I would be crippled for life. However, my parents had the foresight to get a second opinion. They took me to the son, Robert Van De Mark. He started a rigorous physical therapy program, including daily exercises at home. I wore a plaster cast for six weeks and then a built up shoe and brace for two years. Thanks to my parents and their diligence in getting a second opinion, I am one of the lucky ones. I have no residual effects from the polio.