Library Collections: Document: Full Text


Why? Why? Why?

Creator: n/a
Date: August 1932
Publication: The Polio Chronicle
Source: Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute for Rehabilitation Archives


Page 1:

1  

WHY A CRUSADE AGAINST POLIO?

2  

Let us draw a parallel. Tuberculosis has been curbed by human intelligence. Education, resulting in early diagnosis and rational treatment after diagnosis, has greatly reduced the menace of this "White Plague."

3  

This result has been accomplished without discovery of a sure preventive or miraculous cure.

4  

In contrast, the "polio" is twenty years behind the times. Knowledge of the disease is not widespread. The victim of poliomyelitis (infantile paralysis) has a poor chance of correct diagnosis in the pre-paralytic stage; he often is neglected in later treatment.

5  

The Polio Crusade is just an infant; it is not yet capable of covering the work mapped out, but it is growing fast. It has the tremendous advantage of having a great deal of voluntary work done by the National Patients' Committee, a group composed of polios.

6  

We who have had the disease and who bear its marks have dedicated our efforts to the end that education and human intelligence may effectively curb poliomyelitis. We want fewer people to suffer the disability commonly imposed by the disease. With the help of Polio Crusaders, we will accomplish that purpose.

7  

You need no tuberculosis patient in your family to make you want to buy Christmas Seals. You require no personal experience with epidemic or catastrophe to appreciate the American Red Cross. No less then, the Polio Crusade deserves your dollar. If you have direct interest in polio, or its victims, you may give more.

8  

Pledge

9  

1. My assistance in this national crusade against polio and similar incapacitations.

10  

2. My friendship and loyalty to the Georgia Warm Springs Foundation and similar endeavors to counteract physical handicap.

11  

3. Myself to recognize the fact that physical handicap often provides a mental stimulus, develops new capabilities and broadens the outlook on life.

[END]