Watson, Mary Ryan - Lee County

Describe what you remember about the fear surrounding polio epidemics:

I have lived in Iowa for almost thirty-seven years, but was born and raised in southwestern Minnesota. In 1950 the polio epidemic was feared by many parents. Every August my home town of Springfield celebrated its German heritage with Sauerkraut Days. Due to the polio cases in the area my parents decided my brother, sister and I would not attend the annual celebration. In spite of this precaution, within two weeks my sister and I had contracted polio.

Tell us what you remember of the impact of polio:

I turned four on September 11, 1950, and celebrated my birthday at the Sister Kenny Institute in Minneapolis. My sister had gotten sick first and when my parents took her to the hospital, about a three hour drive from our home, my brother and I stayed with my Grandmother and aunts. While staying with them I became ill. I remember my grandma being very concerned, but I did not realize the severity of my not feeling well. Upon returning my dad and mom literally picked me up and returned to the Kenny Institute. On the way into Minneapolis my parents told me that I might have to stay at the hospital without them. I remember thinking that's what they think, there was no way I would be left without them. I remember the nurses pulling me from my dad, as I clung to him screaming. The spinal tap confirmed the diagnosis.

I spent the next three and a half months receiving treatment at the Kenny Institute. I am thoroughly convinced that if it were not for the hot packs the effects would have been much more crippling. My parents were allowed to visit for a few hours on Sunday afternoon. They drove the 150 miles every week in a 1950 Ford to visit my sister and me. I vividly remember hearing the screaming children every Sunday afternoon when it was announced that visiting hours were over and the parents left. I recall the evening a week before Christmas when a nurse came in and told me I could call my Mom and Dad and tell them I could go home the next day.

I left the hospital with “Kenny Sticks” and a metal brace. For the next seven years I would periodically return to the Twin Cities for check-ups and various treatments. I spent lots of time in casts and braces. Before one surgery I remember the doctor saying, “I'm going to take your foot apart and put it back together again, and make a dancer out of you.” He did and I have been forever grateful to Dr. Berman.

Describe the reaction of your family and others you knew to the development of the vaccine:

I was in grade school when the vaccine was discovered. There was discussion in our household as to whether my sister and I should be vaccinated since we had had polio. My parents decided they were not taking any chances, and we were first in line to receive the vaccine.

General Comments:

Occasionally I hear parents question having their children immunized against childhood diseases. Remembering the fear and sacrifices of families affected by polio, one would never question immunizations.

I consider myself very fortunate to have received such excellent care at the Sister Elizabeth Kenny Institute. Every morning when my feet touch the floor, I am thankful for the ability to walk.