A world to care for

About this book

Millions of people throughout the world are physically disabled. For some it is the result of a birth defect; for others, an accident, disease or other unforeseen trauma. Almost every American knows someone with such a problem, and for all it is a troubling, often tragic experience. This is the story of Dr. Howard Rusk's campaign to alleviate the suffering of these people, to make rehabilitation an accepted and fundamental aspect of medicine. He outlines this crusade and describes, with great insight and compassion, his patients' struggles to overcome their handicaps. These graphic, profoundly moving life histories confirm his belief that people fighting to regain their self-sufficiency and dignity have a "depth of spirit you and I know little about." Dr. Rusk's therapeutic philosophy is to treat the 'whole' man- to solve not only his physical but his emotional, social and psychological problems. The record of his success has proved the soundness of his approach. This is a compelling account of his accomplishments over the span of thirty years and also a tribute to the extraordinary achievements of the many thousands of disabled.