Service Member Reflects on Why She Gives Every Year to the CFC.

Thu, 01 May 2008 20:30:36 -0500

My grandmother, or Gramm, has always been my kindred spirit and personal hero. Her memorable red hair was matched by her strong personality. Although her life was not easy, she faced all of the challenges that came her way with determination and blessed all the lives with which she came in contact.

Gramm was very athletic as a young woman. She was chosen as the catcher of the local girl's softball team because she was the only one who could throw the ball from home plate to second base. I love the image of my Gramm as an athlete before it was commonplace or even acceptable for women to play sports.

Her life changed dramatically when she contracted polio at the age of 16. Life on a dusty farm in Nebraska in the 1930s was a time of harsh reality. The doctor matter-of-factly informed her that she would never stand up again. But, Gramm refused to let to allow one man's prognosis determine her future. Polio couldn't stop her. She and my grandfather decided to marry against the prudent advice of his parents and together they raised a loving family.

She was determined not to miss out on anything that any normal wife and mother would experience. The fact that she was a Girl Scout leader who canoed with my mother's troop and was a staff member at my own childhood camps are testaments to her determination to deny the prognosis from so many years ago. While her crutches were a part of my daily life as a young child, so too were her famous decorated cakes and raucous New Year's Eve parties.

When she died, in 2005, I wore red at the funeral to commemorate her spirit and her avid support for the Nebraska Cornhuskers, and I know in my heart that the smile I wore and the joy I felt that week was a secret only she could understand. As proud as I am of my Gramm, I know that she is just as proud of me and the work that I do to serve our country. So, I give to the CFC every year in memory of this amazing woman. Contributing to polio prevention and research through the CFC is the most convenient and informed way to make a financial contribution to something I care so very much about.

CFC-Overseas - Personal Stories

Service Member Reflects on Why She Gives Every Year to the CFC.