MARCH OF DIMES FOUNDED ON THIS DAY

VINTAGE FRANKLIN D ROOSEVELT MARCH OF DIMES PROMOTIONAL POSTER

Franklin Delano Roosevelt, an adult victim of polio, founded
the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, which he later
renamed the March of Dimes Foundation, on January 3, 1938.

A predominantly childhood disease in the early 20th century,
polio wreaked havoc among American children every summer.

The virus, which affects the central nervous system, flourished
in contaminated food and water and was easily transmitted.

Those who survived the disease usually suffered from debilitating paralysis into their adult lives. In 1921, at the relatively advanced
age of 39, Roosevelt contracted polio and lost the use of his legs.

With the help of the media, his Secret Service and careful event
planning, Roosevelt managed to keep his disease out of the
public eye, yet his personal experience inspired in him an
empathy with the handicapped and prompted him to the found
the March of Dimes.

A history of the March of Dimes | March of Dimes
President Franklin Roosevelt (left) himself a victim of polio, meets with March of Dimes executive Basil O’Connor.

March of Dimes | WNYC | New York Public Radio, Podcasts, Live Streaming Radio, News

2015-P PCGS MS70 MARCH OF DIMES COMMEMORATIVE SILVER DOLLAR FIRST STRIKE - Picture 1 of 4

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posted by Bob Karm in ANNIVERSARY,Charity Fund,CURRENT EVENTS,HISTORY,March of Dimes,President and have No Comments

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