During a presentation this week at a chapter event for the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution in Waterford, California, Emily Barberi recognized the two women who helped cure her polio as a child. Barberi, who is now 73 years old and serves as a chairwoman for the organization, honored Sister Elizabeth Kenny and Dr. Ethel Calhoun, two pioneers in the fight against the crippling illness. During her speech, Barberi explained how Sister Kenny became world famous for her unorthodox approach to battling polio, and how she came to the United States from Australia in the 1940s to spread her knowledge. Together with Dr. Calhoun, the two women were assigned to Barberi’s case and prescribed a regimen of hot packs and physical therapy, a treatment plan that contradicted the medical norm of bed rest and immobilizing limbs. Despite facing discrimination for being two women in a field dominated by men, they were able to radically change the thinking of how to treat polio patients, and through their care, Barberi made a miraculous recovery from polio in just three months.

For the full article, visit TheOaklandPress.com.