During the 1940s and 50s, Canadian families lived in a state of panic, trying to shield their children from being infected by the often deadly and very widespread disease: poliomyelitis. No one knew how it was transmitted; no one knew why a child was infected. Journey with Carol Rankmore as she tells her story from polio survivor to the previously unknown condition now called Post-Polio Syndrome. Her sensitive memories of childhood coupled with wry humour and historical background make this book a must-read memoir that has major implications for ageing polio survivors today.

Carol was hospitalized for months at a time for each of six corrective surgeries at the newly-opened Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children in Winnipeg. In these days before Medicare, Carol was fortunate that this state-of-the-art hospital offered free medical support to families in financial need. Carol takes us through a frightening and lonely childhood into an adulthood thought to be ‘cured’ of the deadly disease and its after-effects. But had the experience coloured her adult life? Her marriage and her career? Or had the after-effects of polio helped her? Her last challenge was the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome.

Despite her medical trials, Carol’s memoir is one of hope. With frank insights into the challenges of PPS, this book offers the possibility of managing it successfully through careful exercise, a determination to never give up and a positive attitude. Polio Child will prove an invaluable resource for those living with—or care-giving for someone with—Post-Polio Syndrome or other disabilities.