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First Birthday Celebrated -- Committee Closes Year's Work

Creator: n/a
Date: August 1932
Publication: The Polio Chronicle
Source: Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute for Rehabilitation Archives
Figures From This Artifact: Figure 2


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1  

On Saturday, July 16, the National Patients' Committee celebrated its first birthday, completing an initial year of service in its battle for the rehabilitation of those afflicted with "polio" and for the education of the public in the various phases of the poliomyelitis question.

2  

In the evening after an afternoon jamboree, members and friends of the National Patients' Committee met at dinner in the Meriwether Inn.

3  

Following the reports of the different committees, Robert Reidy, chairman of the Nominating Committee, presented and the National Patients' Committee unanimously elected the following officers: Dr. John Ruhrah, president; William N. Etheridge, vice-president; Christine Piper, secretary; T. E. Cohalan, treasurer.

4  

Resolutions were adopted calling for a telegram of appreciation to be sent to Governor Franklin D. Roosevelt, and to Mr. Arthur Carpenter and to the Woodstock Electric Typewriter Co., and a vote of thanks to be extended to all patients and friends who assisted in making the first year of our organization a success.

5  

With the conclusion of business, everyone entered into the merriment presided over by the witty and sarcastic toastmaster, "Bud" Cohalan. Steve Helburn and Fred Botts, among other speakers, delivered two unusual after-dinner talks - unusual in that they were humorous and entertaining. As a pleasant conclusion, Gus Brodie (alias Steve Helburn) and his Sournote Syncopators - an orchestra composed of patients - serenaded the dancers with their Hot Harmonies.

6  

In recounting the first anniversary of the National Patients' Committee, it is fitting to look into its activities and accomplishments during the past year.

7  

Since the organization of the National Patients' Committee last July, $5,784.50 has been contributed to the Patients' Aid Fund. This Fund provides financial assistance for those victims of "Polio" who are unable to pay all of their expenses for treatment.

8  

Next in line of importance is the Publicity Group, which assumed publication of the Polio Chronicle with the June Issue. The circulation of the Polio Chronicle has increased to more than five thousand; nevertheless, there is still an amazing ignorance on the various phases of the disease. A start has been made in the right direction.

9  

The Group on Rehabilitation has formed a worthwhile reference bureau on its subject. Data is available to anyone.

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The Architectural and Mechanical Hints Group has in its year of existence collected and filed information of help to patients along four lines: automotive controls, wheelchairs, electric type-writers, and a comprehensive and helpful list of individual contributions by patients.

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The Group on Hotel Information has on file a list of hotels in eighteen states which make provisions for patients and which are easily accessible.

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In the last few months an annex to the infirmary has been provided with great assistance from the Group on New Projects. The sum of $740 was raised through private contributions and entertainments featuring "home talent."

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A comprehensive list of books, pamphlets, circulars, etc., on poliomyelitis has been gathered and filed by the Librarian, for the reference and use of anyone desiring it.

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Last but not least, come the Entertainment Group. Under its auspices the patients have received entertainment of a high caliber. They have listened and thrilled to the artistry of Lee Patterson, famous concert pianist, whose wife is a patient here. Through the courtesy and co-operation of the five leading universities of the state, they have heard seventeen lectures by Georgia's outstanding teachers on a wide range of subjects. Other popular forms of entertainment were the "Palais Polio," a cabaret and floor show; bridge parties; bridge tournaments; ball games; picnics; moonlight swims, movies; et cetera, et cetera.

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In this somewhat lengthy and devious explanation of the activities of the National Patients' Committee, the writer hopes you have formed a slight conception of the immense scope and purpose of the organization. It is a magnificent crusade against a terrible disease.

16  

"The maximum that we may hope for is practical elimination of the disease; the minimum is the material alleviation of the suffering, disability, and economic distturbance caused by the disease,"
Franklin D. Roosevelt.

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