Marker Monday: Georgia Warm Springs Foundation

This week’s #MarkerMonday highlights the efforts of the Georgia Warm Springs Foundation to treat the crippling disease of polio. Franklin D. Roosevelt and Basil O’ Connor established the Foundation in July 1927. Roosevelt himself suffered from polio beginning in 1921 and became a frequent visitor to the medicinal springs in Warm Springs, Georgia, starting in 1924. While at Warm Springs, Roosevelt’s “can-do” attitude inspired other patients and was said to embody the “Spirit of Warm Springs,” the belief that polio victims could lead full and productive lives. After being elected President of the United States in 1932, Roosevelt was able to facilitate fundraising efforts and raise awareness about polio for the Georgia Warm Springs Foundation. Using the therapeutic nature of the waters at Warm Springs the Foundation pioneered research to ease the debilitating effects of polio Finally, in the early 1950s, researchers were able to successfully create a vaccine for polio. Today, the Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute for Rehabilitation continues the “Spirit of Warm Springs” through rehabilitative therapy.

Explore the links below to learn more about The Georgia Warm Springs Foundation.

Full Marker Text

Today in Georgia History

March of Dimes Foundation