Disclaimer: The following was transcribed from an article in the Capper Foundation Archives. The choice of words used at the time this was written may not reflect current Capper Foundation inclusive language and views.

Gloria (1945)

by J.M. Parks

When the little one-teacher country school opened this fall some of the questions most often asked by the children were, “Where is Gloria?” “Can she walk?” “Can she play like other girls?”

Nine-year-old Gloria’s shy, winning smile had made her a favorite with the teacher and with the other twenty-three students. When she was stricken with infantile paralysis a little over a year ago, all of them were anxious to know the outcome. It was a great shock to learn that the disease had left her legs useless.

Whole Community Helped
Her parents are small farmers. The responsibility of three children, all younger than Gloria, made it impossible for them to bear the expense of needed hospitalization. The local church helped some. The infantile paralysis committee, to which all in the community contributed, bore a part of the burden. Even the grandmother who is “just a working woman,” has given every cent she could spare.

Gloria says, “I guess the people at home are interested in me ‘cause I’m the only polio patient around there.” Altogether, they have managed to keep Gloria in a good hospital for over eight months. The prolonged, skillful treatment has restored the left leg almost to its former state. The muscles in both limbs are greatly improved, but those controlling the right knee have stretched till she has no use of it.

Recovery Not Complete
So, with the funds of the family and the small rural community exhausted, the work of restoration is far from complete. Now there is a new hope, however, The Capper Foundation for Crippled Children has taken over. Gloria already has entered one of the select hospitals to which the Foundation has access. Skilled surgeons will correct the muscular defect. They believe Gloria will yet walk almost as well as other girls.

That’s why Gloria was absent at the first of school. She may have to miss several weeks or even months. But before the end of the present school year, we expect Gloria to bring the attendance in the little school up to “twenty-four” again. It will be a great day for the other children when Gloria can join in their games. It will be a great milestone in Gloria’s life when she can play like other girls.

Gloria One of Many
Gloria is one of the many handicapped children who are being given a new lease on life by The Capper Foundation. The Foundation is supported entirely by voluntary contributions. Your gift, whether large or small, will be accepted gratefully and will be used to help pay the expenses of medical treatment for handicapped children whose parents have small incomes.

If you wish, you may say, “It’s for Gloria.

Address your contribution to The Capper Foundation for Crippled Children, Topeka, Kan. Ask for a free copy of “The Story of The Capper Foundation.”