Franklin D. Roosevelt
In 1921, at 39 years old, Franklin D. Roosevelt contracted an illness that left him paralyzed. During his lifetime, this was diagnosed as polio; however, a small group of doctors today have suggested it was Guillain-Barre Syndrome, rather than polio. This post-mortem diagnosis remains controversial today. Regardless of the illness, it left Roosevelt unable to stand or walk without significant assistance.
Following extensive therapy, Roosevelt could walk short distances with a cane and braces; however, later in life, was largely confined to a wheelchair. In public, he stood, supported by one of his son’s, an aide, or a heavy lectern. Roosevelt’s illness predated his presidency; however, the severity of it was not revealed to the public. The press and Secret Service, as well as careful manipulation of public appearances significantly limited Roosevelt’s appearance in a wheelchair. Images of him entering and leaving cars were avoided through the use of private garages; however, Winston Churchill himself pushed Roosevelt’s wheelchair at the Yalta Conference, and did so with pride and honor.
He remained active throughout his recovery and long after, contributing to a number of years of good health. This illness did spark a lifelong commitment to medical philanthropy, particularly with regard to polio research and funding. In 1938, Roosevelt founded the organization that would become the March of Dimes.
There were, throughout his presidency, occasional mentions of his wheelchair; he himself mentioned it at a speech before the Senate later in life after his presidential term had ended. While this was a relatively open secret, it was part of a strategy of self-presentation; Roosevelt had triumphed over polio, as shown by his ability to stand on his own two feet, even if he required some assistance.
By 1944, Roosevelt’s health was in clear decline, but he continued his run for a fourth term as president. He was suffering from heart conditions, high blood pressure, and increasing lapses in memory. World War II continued, adding to the stress of the presidency. In April, 1945, he retired to the health spa he supported in Warm Springs, Georgia to rest and recover. On April 12, 1945, while sitting for a portrait, he collapsed and died of a cerebral hemorrhage. He was much missed, both by the American public and much of the global community.