American Biographies - History Books

For more than half a century, a deadly viral disease known as poliomyelitis, or infantile paralysis, caused permanent crippling injury to thousands of Americans. Many died from polio; others were disabled for life. Summertime epidemics brought fear to anxious parents who tried to protect their children during "polio season." Although a cure was never found, protection came in the form of a vaccine developed by Dr. Jonas Salk, a grantee of the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis. The foundation, better known as the March of Dimes, succeeded in its efforts to eradicate polio from the United States and expanded its mission to the prevention of birth defects and infant mortality. March of Dimes documents one of the most successful voluntary health organizations in history. Founded by Pres. Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1938, the March of Dimes thrives on the dedication and energy of volunteers. American celebrities from Eddie Cantor to Helen Hayes and Elvis Presley have joined the fight against polio and birth defects. Millions participate in WalkAmerica, the nation's best-known walkathon fund-raiser, and March of Dimes poster children have symbolized the challenge of life with crippling diseases. Unlike any other, the March of Dimes story is an astonishing blend of science, medicine, and American popular culture.

In 1979, nine-year-old Elizabeth "Teddi" Mervis was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Not able to experience even the simplest joys of childhood, she felt frightened, isolated and alone. Her father wanted to change all that, not only for his daughter but also for other children with cancer. With the support of thousands in and outside of Rochester, New York, Camp Good Days created a new world for those touched by cancer, violence or any other affront to a child's dignity. The spirit and legacy of Teddi Mervis live on in the success of the organization she inspired.

While unknown to many living in western New York, the Kevin Guest House has served thousands of critically ill individuals and their families for over 40 years. Quietly nestled within the expanding Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus of Buffalo, New York, the demand for the facility continues to increase. The opening chapter is a testimony to the Speyser-Beer family, who originally owned the property. The second and third chapters memorialize the founders of the Kevin Guest House, the Garvey family of Sharon, Pennsylvania. The remaining chapters provide a virtual tour of the grounds and building expansions of 2016.