Disclaimer: The following was transcribed from an article in the Capper Foundation Archives. The choice of words used at the time this was written may not reflect current Capper Foundation inclusive language and views.

Clarence (1948)

by J.M. Parks

After fourteen years of crippledom, Clarence has just returned from the almost magic hospital where he “traded in” his club feet and crooked legs for the good ones shown in the picture.

Catch the joyous thrill in his voice as he says,  “Now I can play ball with the other boys!” What could mean more to a lad of fourteen?

Contrast the present with the past. Only a few months ago the discouraged father wrote, “My boy is badly crippled in the feet. He inherited it from his mother who is not now living. He walks mostly on the sides of his feet which has caused big knots to form on the outsides. We took him to one hospital, but they couldn’t do anything. We are a large family, and I am not able to send him to a better hospital.”

The Capper Foundation for Crippled Children, which is financed entirely by voluntary contributions, sent this boy to the great surgeon who has done so much for other crippled boys and girls. He performed two operations with the wonderful results mentioned. Clarence says he cannot run very fast at present, but of course, he will have to build his legs up by exercise before he can hope to do that. After he gets through school, Clarence wants to own a big truck farm, but right now his biggest interest is in the fact that, as he puts it, “I can join in a lot more games and have a lot more fun.”