Celebrities with Post Polio Syndrome

Post Polio Syndrome (PPS) is a condition that affects individuals who have previously had polio. It is characterized by a range of symptoms such as muscle weakness, fatigue, pain, and breathing difficulties. While PPS can impact anyone who has had polio, including celebrities, it is important to note that not all individuals who have had polio will develop this syndrome.

1. President Franklin D. Roosevelt: One of the most notable figures who had polio and later developed PPS was President Franklin D. Roosevelt. He contracted polio in 1921 and was left paralyzed from the waist down. Despite his disability, Roosevelt went on to become the 32nd President of the United States and served for four terms. However, in the later years of his life, he experienced symptoms of PPS, including muscle weakness and fatigue.

2. Joni Mitchell: Joni Mitchell, a renowned Canadian singer-songwriter, is another celebrity who has been open about her battle with PPS. Mitchell contracted polio as a child and experienced a relapse of symptoms in the late 1990s. She has spoken about the challenges of living with PPS, including the impact it has had on her ability to perform and create music.

3. Alan Alda: Alan Alda, best known for his role as Hawkeye Pierce in the television series M*A*S*H, also had polio as a child. While he did not publicly disclose having PPS, he has been an advocate for polio awareness and research. Alda has shared his experiences with polio and the importance of vaccination to prevent the disease.

4. Neil Young: Neil Young, a legendary musician and songwriter, had polio as a child and has also been affected by PPS. He has spoken about the challenges of living with the syndrome, including the impact it has had on his ability to perform on stage. Despite these difficulties, Young continues to create music and raise awareness about PPS.

5. Mia Farrow: Mia Farrow, an acclaimed actress and humanitarian, contracted polio at the age of nine. While she has not publicly discussed having PPS, she has been involved in various charitable efforts related to polio eradication. Farrow has used her platform to raise awareness about the importance of vaccination and support for individuals affected by polio.

6. Itzhak Perlman: Itzhak Perlman, a world-renowned violinist, had polio as a child and later developed PPS. Despite the challenges posed by the syndrome, Perlman has continued to perform and inspire audiences worldwide. He has been open about his experiences with PPS and has become an advocate for disability rights.

7. Frida Kahlo: Frida Kahlo, a celebrated Mexican artist, contracted polio as a child and experienced the long-term effects of the disease throughout her life. While she did not specifically have PPS, her struggles with physical disabilities and chronic pain are often associated with the syndrome. Kahlo's artwork often depicted her experiences with illness and disability, making her an icon for many.

8. Robin Cavendish: While not a celebrity in the traditional sense, Robin Cavendish was a British advocate for disabled individuals and a polio survivor. Cavendish's story was portrayed in the film "Breathe," where he was played by Andrew Garfield. He lived with the effects of polio and later developed PPS, becoming a prominent figure in raising awareness about disability rights and improving the lives of those affected by polio.

These are just a few examples of celebrities and notable individuals who have had polio and experienced the effects of PPS. Their stories serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by those living with the syndrome and the importance of continued research and support for individuals affected by polio.