When discussing American presidents who overcame personal adversity, one name stands out above the rest: Franklin D. Roosevelt. Often referred to as FDR, he remains the only U.S. president elected to four terms and is one of the most influential leaders in American history. But behind his confident public persona was a private battle with a debilitating illness—poliomyelitis, commonly known as polio.
What Is Polio?
Polio is a viral disease that can affect the nervous system and lead to partial or full paralysis. At its peak in the early 20th century, polio was one of the most feared diseases in the United States, primarily affecting children but also striking adults with devastating effects.
Polio spreads through person-to-person contact and can invade a person’s brain and spinal cord, causing paralysis. Before the development of a vaccine in the 1950s, tens of thousands of polio cases were reported annually in the U.S.
Franklin D. Roosevelt and Polio: A Life-Altering Diagnosis
Franklin D. Roosevelt contracted polio in 1921, at the age of 39. Contrary to popular belief, FDR was not a child when he became ill. He was vacationing at his family home in Campobello Island, Canada, when he developed a fever, fatigue, and muscle weakness. Within days, he was paralyzed from the waist down.
Despite early misdiagnoses, doctors eventually confirmed he had poliomyelitis. The illness left Roosevelt with permanent paralysis in his legs, requiring him to use braces, crutches, and eventually a wheelchair, although he was rarely photographed in it.
How Did Polio Shape FDR’s Presidency?
Roosevelt’s battle with polio shaped not only his personal resilience but also his political philosophy and empathy for those struggling. His determination to walk again became symbolic of his broader commitment to overcoming the Great Depression and leading the U.S. through World War II.
Though he never regained the use of his legs, FDR became a master of projecting strength and optimism. He used a combination of leg braces and assistance to stand for public appearances and was rarely seen in a wheelchair, partly due to a gentleman’s agreement with the press not to photograph him in ways that revealed his disability.
Founding of the Warm Springs Institute
FDR's search for treatments led him to Warm Springs, Georgia, where he believed the natural hot springs helped improve his condition. In 1927, he founded the Warm Springs Foundation, later known as the Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute for Rehabilitation, which became a center for polio treatment and rehabilitation.
A Lasting Legacy: FDR and the Fight Against Polio
FDR’s personal struggle helped ignite national efforts to fight the disease. In 1938, he founded the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, which later became the March of Dimes. This nonprofit organization was instrumental in funding research that led to the development of the polio vaccine by Dr. Jonas Salk in 1955.
The March of Dimes remains active today, promoting maternal and infant health, but its roots are firmly planted in the fight against polio—an effort sparked by one president’s personal battle.
Why Does FDR’s Story Matter Today?
In a time when public health and leadership continue to intersect, FDR’s battle with polio is a powerful reminder of resilience, empathy, and the ability of individuals to inspire national change despite personal challenges.
His story also continues to raise awareness about disability rights, accessibility, and the importance of supporting medical research. FDR didn't just lead a country—he transformed it, all while facing immense physical challenges in private.
Quick Facts: Which President Had Polio?
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President: Franklin D. Roosevelt
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Year Diagnosed: 1921
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Age at Diagnosis: 39
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Condition: Paralysis from the waist down due to poliomyelitis
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Legacy: Founder of the March of Dimes; inspired disability rights movement
Final Thoughts
Franklin D. Roosevelt’s presidency is a testament to strength in the face of adversity. While he led the nation through two of its greatest crises—the Great Depression and World War II—he was simultaneously fighting a private war with polio. His courage, innovation, and compassion continue to inspire generations of Americans.
Did you know? FDR’s personal battle helped pave the way for the eventual eradication of polio in the U.S., thanks to vaccine development and public health initiatives he helped launch.