World Polio Day Program

Muscogee-Columbus Rotary had the pleasure of hosting Cathrein Mclllaney today, October 24th.

In 1941, Cathrein became the first recorded case of polio in Columbus, Georgia. She was treated at Bush Hospital.

Cathrein experienced a life-altering event just a day after a typical outing with her family. That night, She awoke with a severe fever and was rushed to Bush Hospital. Despite extensive efforts, doctors were baffled until an Atlanta physician diagnosed her and performed a spinal tap that relieved pressure but left me paralyzed.

Fortunately, Cathrein’s local clinic, helmed by Dr. Houston, connected Cathrein’s family with the March of Dimes, which provided crucial resources such as braces and crutches.

Soon after, Cathrein was sent to the Warm Springs Foundation for surgeries and therapy which enabled her to walk again. From ages 7 to 12, Cathrein endured multiple experimental surgeries on her legs, spending months at the foundation and returning home for weekend visits.

The Warm Springs Foundation instilled in Cathrein the belief that with hard work, anything is possible. I embraced this principle throughout my life, marrying, raising three children, driving, and traveling across the country.