Elizabeth Kenny - a little-known Australian
By Judy Evans
@JudyEv (382240)
Rockingham, Australia
June 28, 2023 2:34am CST
We watched ‘Hard Quiz’ last night as it airs just before our news programme. One of the contestants chose, as her special subject, Elizabeth Kenny (1880-1952). She stated that Kenny was an amazing Australian who deserves to be better known. Certainly, I’d never heard of her.
Kenny was a self-trained bush nurse. Her various works and career changes are too extensive to be covered properly in a few paragraphs. However, she is best known for her method of treating polio sufferers, although it caused much controversy at the time. Rather than placing affected limbs in plaster casts, she applied hot compresses and passive movement of the affected areas. One of those she treated was Alan Alda, the American actor.
Eventually she was so influential in the US that, in 1950, President Harry Truman granted her the right to enter and leave the US without a visa. A 1946 film, Sister Kenny, told her life story. Rosalind Russell played Kenny and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress.
I’m sure there are dozens of similar characters who have given great service to mankind during their lifetimes but are mostly forgotten now.
23 people like this
23 responses
@BarBaraPrz (51828)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
28 Jun 23
I didn't know that Alan Alda had polio.
I'm assuming that "Sister Kenny" was a strong personality. Rosalind Russell certainly was.
2 people like this
@BarBaraPrz (51828)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
28 Jun 23
@JudyEv At the turn of the last century, there probably wasn't a lot of formal training available in Australia.
1 person likes this
@toniganzon (77209)
• Philippines
28 Jun 23
It's sad that there are people who are not even remembered by their good deeds.
2 people like this
@garymarsh6 (24025)
• United Kingdom
28 Jun 23
That is a fascinating story. I can't say l have heard of her before. Interesting background!
1 person likes this
@garymarsh6 (24025)
• United Kingdom
29 Jun 23
@JudyEv Brilliant thanks I will write about it soon. Hope you are both keeping well?
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (382240)
• Rockingham, Australia
3 Jul 23
@garymarsh6 Thanks, yes. We're both well.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (59250)
•
1 Jul 23
I have read several books about Sister Kenney. They actually called her cure ''The Kenney Method'' and as you said, at first no one thought much of her methods, but she persisted, and once good results came to the fore, her method was accepted.
Yes, you are right...so many have given so much for us, and yet we have forgotten them. Thank you for this reminder.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (59250)
•
3 Jul 23
@JudyEv
Yes, I've seen that movie. It's good to celebrate those people who have done so much for humanity. I'm big on history and read a lot. So many unsung heroes out there, Judy.
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (208993)
• United States
28 Jun 23
That is interesting. I never heard of her but she sounds very influential. I think her treatment ideas really made sense as well.
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (208993)
• United States
28 Jun 23
@JudyEv Yes, it reminds me just of physical therapy.
1 person likes this
@ptrikha_2 (49759)
• India
7 Jul 23
A remarkable person.
I heard of her for the first time but she sounds like an Unsung Person and not well known.
May be one can name some Institute or a place after her, although naming of Buildings, Monuments and Roads after a person often brings on controversies.
Anyways, this was a nice and informative share !
1 person likes this
@RebeccasFarm (91297)
• United States
4 Jul 23
A lovely amazing woman..Rest in Peace.
Thanks for sharing her with us..I had never heard of her either Judy.
And she treated Alan Alda..when he was young no doubt.
I would love to see that film..and I loved Rosalind.
1 person likes this
@Marilynda1225 (91115)
• United States
28 Jun 23
It's strange that with all her contributions to society (especially helping those with polio) that she would have been better known. I never heard of her and yet, I admire everything she did.
1 person likes this
@Marilynda1225 (91115)
• United States
29 Jun 23
@JudyEv I guess being on the wrong side of the authorities would put a damper on us hearing much about her.
1 person likes this
@RasmaSandra (98033)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
29 Jun 23
Sounds like a great person and glad that occasionally they do get mentioned,
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (382240)
• Rockingham, Australia
29 Jun 23
The President must have been very impressed with her.
@JudyEv (382240)
• Rockingham, Australia
29 Jun 23
There are so many clever people that get forgotten sadly.
@LindaOHio (222534)
• United States
28 Jun 23
Sister Kenny certainly deserves some recognition. That's a beautiful photo.
1 person likes this
