A Young Girl’s Fight: Overcoming Polio in Rural Georgia

At 12, Margaret “Marty” Fallon’s mother, Carole—though everyone called her "Doodle"—was a typical tomboy, passionate about animals and baseball. Growing up in rural Georgia, she spent her time caring for animals, playing first base on a boys' baseball team, and working with horses. One summer, while she visited her grandparents in nearby McDonough, she woke up with what seemed like a cold. However, when the fever persisted, she quickly lost the ability to walk, and doctors diagnosed her with polio.

At that time, Marty explains, polio was not well understood, and treatment options were limited. Her mother was sent to Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, one of the few places familiar with polio care. She spent six weeks in isolation, separated from her family except for brief, supervised visits through a glass window on Sundays. With no phones in her hometown, letters became the only way for her family and friends to communicate. Despite the isolation and fear, she persevered through rigorous physical therapy, eventually regaining the use of her legs.

Doodle’s story underscores the importance of vaccines in preventing diseases like polio, which once crippled communities but are now largely eradicated due to successful vaccination programs. Today, many don’t realize how devastating diseases like polio, measles and chickenpox can be, thanks to widespread immunization efforts. However, as vaccination rates decline, we risk the return of these preventable diseases. Her story is a reminder that no one is immune to such diseases—if it could happen to her in rural Georgia, it could happen to anyone. Vaccines protect individuals and communities, and by keeping up with immunizations, we safeguard future generations from the horrors of these diseases.

Editor’s note: Fallon is not a medical professional. The information provided reflects her personal experiences or opinions and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for accurate guidance on health-related matters. Although death rates are low, according to the CDC, fewer than 30 people still die each year in the U.S. from chickenpox.