Robert was admitted to Los Angeles Orthopaedic Hospital at the age of 18 months as a polio patient in the 1950s. He spent the next 3 years living at the Hospital quarantined from family and friends.

During this time, the Hospital was considered the best in polio patient care and families would come from miles away to seek treatment for their children.

It was common for hospital stays to last several months or even several years. At the time, the children would miss school while they were hospitalized. Los Angeles Orthopeadic Hospital and its founder, Dr. Charles LeRoy Lowman, pioneered education for the disabled by starting the Orthopaedic Hospital School.

Throughout his Hospital stay, Robert was involved in as many activities as possible. He'd also tour with the physicians to demonstrate the success and the care that he received, of many of his experimental surgeries at conferences and gatherings.

During Robert's many years living at the Hospital, his treatment included several surgeries as well as treatment using an iron lung for 18 months.

It was because of these surgeries, Robert was able to walk and developed the self-confidence to be more than a 'cripple' which would eventually lead to a life of public service.

Robert had has over 30 surgeries and credits the Hospital and the donors who funded his care with his life. Robert now lives in Hacienda Heights with his wife, Naomi.


As Robert shares, while Los Angeles Orthopaedic Hospital is no longer fighting polio, there are many other battles that the physicians and their staff fight every day for the children of Los Angeles.




For more information on how you can help the children of Los Angeles Orthopaedic Hospital, visit us here.

Have a story to share? Share yours today!