No.537 Sandra Lee Day Johnson, 2010

File — Box: 63, Folder: 17

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Johnson (b.1940) was born in Bremerton, Washington. She discusses her family and growing up years. She contracted polio at age eight. She talks about getting sick, going to the hospital for a spinal tap, and being admitted to the isolation unit. She spent approximately three months in St. Benedict’s Hospital in Ogden, Utah. She relates hospital conditions and treatments received, including hot packs, the Hubbard tank and physical therapy. Her legs were paralyzed and she had difficulty swallowing, which necessitated consuming only pureed food while in the hospital. She was left with a slight limp and weakness in her hands. She continued with outpatient physical therapy for approximately one year and eventually regained enough strength and ability to lead an active lifestyle. In the early 1990’s Ms. Johnson started to experience increased weakness and fatigue. She was diagnosed with lupus. Ms. Johnson received a college degree, married and gave birth to two children; she worked in the advertising industry throughout her career.
Polio Oral History Project.
Interviewer: Becky Lloyd

Dates

2010

Conditions Governing Access

Twenty-four hour advanced notice encouraged. Materials must be used on-site. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.