Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute for Rehabilitation
One of the great Presidents of our country, Franklin D. Roosevelt, passed away 53 years ago this week. April has not been kind to our Presidents, as three of the eight that have died in office did so in April. But the legacy left by President Roosevelt is the focus of today’s site, as it is one that was near and dear to him before he was elected to the presidency, and it was here that he passed away on that sad April day.
The site is the Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute for Rehabilitation, and is located about one hour south of Atlanta, Georgia. Here is where the President went for treatment for polio, which he contracted at age 39. It was of such benefits to him that he created this organization in 1927. But over the years the varieties of care and ailments that are administered here have increased. Polio was largely eradicated in the early 1960’s in this country, and the focus shifted to other treating other similar disabling diseases such as mental retardation, spinal cord and brain injuries, and strokes. The site is full of information on the mission of the center, opportunities to become involved with it, and how the work is actually done. The amount and variety of work be done here is a testimony of not only the people doing the work, but the character and drive of the President.
President Roosevelt believed, up until his final months, that he truly would overcome his handicapping disease, and walk again. Unfortunately that didn’t happen. But it may happen for some other person, young or old. The Institute is a place where it can happen. Enjoy your stop.