Adjusting to Change

Helen Carter has lived in Charlotte, North Carolina, nearly her entire life. Her earliest years were spent in Asheboro, about an hour-and-a-half drive northeast of Charlotte. She doesn’t remember much about her time in Asheboro but recalls clearly the reason for the move. “When I was 3 years old, I caught a pretty bad case of polio. I was first admitted to the Asheboro Orthopedic Home, which was where most polio cases in the area were treated. I was later transferred to Charlotte, where they felt my needs would be better met. I don’t remember how long I was in the hospital, but it was many months. My father drove a truck for a living and ended up taking a job in Charlotte so he and my mother could be close by.” After Helen was released from the hospital, her parents decided to stay in Charlotte.

Polio left her with a weakened left side. “I went through years of rehabilitation and several surgeries. It was tough, but my family was very supportive. When I think back on my childhood, I mostly remember it as a pretty idyllic time. I knew I was different from the other kids, but I was determined not to allow polio to define me.” With her trademark determination, Helen learned to navigate the world with mobility aids, embracing new challenges with grace. “My parents always taught me that limits are only in the mind,” she recalled.

Embracing Life

As Helen grew, she found joy and fulfillment, but she also faced societal stigma and physical obstacles. “My high school was two stories, and back then, there wasn’t any way to get to the upper floor except up a steep flight of stairs. I remember having to basically pull myself up those stairs on my backside in order to get to some of my classes. There weren’t any ramps back then, either. There were so many stores and friends’ houses that had a single step leading to the door, not an insurmountable obstacle but one that always left me at the mercy of needing an adult to help get my chair up and over.”

Helen went on to pursue a degree at North Carolina State University and later became a teacher at a small private school just outside of Charlotte. She married and raised a family, all while learning to advocate for herself. “If someone told me I couldn’t do something, that only made me more determined,” she said. “I’ve always believed in living life to the fullest, no matter the circumstances.”

A New Challenge
In recent years, however, Helen’s health began to shift. With age, she experienced respiratory difficulties, and earlier this year, her pulmonologist recommended she start using a Bi-PAP machine, a necessity she is learning to embrace.

Adjusting to the Bi-PAP has been a journey in itself. “It felt strange at first—like I was admitting defeat,” she confided. “But then I realized it’s not about giving up; it’s about adapting to a new chapter of life.”

Helen describes the initial nights spent struggling with the machine’s rhythm, the unfamiliar sounds filling her room. “I felt like I was wrestling with it,” she laughs, “but eventually, I found a way to make peace with it. It’s become part of my night-time routine.”

Finding Support

Support from family and friends has been crucial during this transition. Her daughter, Sarah, has been particularly instrumental. “I’m so proud of Mom,” Sarah shares, her admiration evident. “She’s faced so many challenges, and she handles this one with the same strength as always.”

Helen also participates in virtual post-polio support group meetings. She’s not the only one in the group with respiratory issues. “Connecting with others who understand my challenges has been invaluable,” she says. “We share tips, stories and sometimes just a good laugh. It’s a reminder that I’m not alone in this.”

Looking Ahead

Despite the challenges, Helen remains optimistic about the future. She continues to advocate for disability rights and awareness of post-polio syndrome in her community. “There’s a lot to be done, and I want to be a part of that change,” she asserts passionately.

Reflecting on her life’s journey, Helen says she’s grateful for the “gifts” polio has given her. “Polio taught me resilience, and now this Bi-PAP teaches me adaptation. Life is full of surprises, and I intend to face them all head-on.”

In the vibrant city of Charlotte, Helen Carter stands as a testament to strength and adaptability, inspiring others to embrace their own challenges with courage and grace. As she navigates this new phase, she reminds us that while circumstances may change, the spirit remains unyielded.