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Profiles - Your Stories
 Susan Schanerman - Overcoming Polio to Live Life to the Fullest
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What do believe makes you special or interesting?
I was stricken with polio in 1954, just before the polio vaccine began to be tested.
What kind of effect have you had, or would you like to have on the world?
I have inspired and supported a number of people to achieve their dreams.
What events shaped or changed your life?
Again, the acute nature of polio - - all I can remember is that one minute I was dancing and the next I was being rushed to the hospital in an ambulance - - I then became completely paralyzed and was placed in an iron lung for a period of time. My hospitalization lasted for 5 months.
Did you overcome obstacles – take risks - get lucky?
It seems as though my entire life has been about overcoming huge obstacles. Starting with having to learn to walk again, I then made my way out of a wheelchair, (where I had spent the better part of 10 years), then I had to fight for independence from two extremely overprotective parents, (my mother did not want to let me get a driver’s license) and more recently I still have the challenge of intermittent depression.
What have you done that no one would guess you’ve done on first meeting you?
I was in the audience at the taping of the Ed Sullivan show when The Beatles made their very first appearance in America in 1964.
What is there still left to be done in your life?
A lot - - Most days I feel as though I haven’t even begun to really live. I’d like to reach the point where I can influence a large number of people. I’d like to be nationally-recognized as an author and artist, speaker, trainer.
I guess I’d have to say that my mission is to help people open their minds and hearts so that they can live their lives with joy and passion, freedom and authenticity.
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