CRIPPLE'S JOY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 78, 2 April 1932, Page 3 (Supplement)

CRIPPLE'S JOY.

MARVELS OF SURGERY. The pretty, vivacious face of Pearl Penny, of North Broken Hill, lit with enthusiasm when she visited "The Sun," Sydney, to tell of her pending trip home after two years spent in hospital. One of the worst cripple cases brought to Sydney by the Rev. Drummond, under his Far West scheme, Pearl will go home for 12 months' visit to her parents, almost cured, after which she will again return to hospital for a seventh, and final, operation. Miss Penny, who is now 18, contracted infantile paralysis in her fifth year. The illness left her with fearfully twisted legs and a crooked right arm. "Rebuilding" Limbs. Two years ago a noted Sydney surgeon began a series of operations in which bones were taken from various parts of the body and used to reinforce and build up ankles twisted awry from years o,f hobbling about on crutches Gradually her legs were made straight and shapely. Her right hand was practically useless, but again the surgeon's skill came into play, and a long incision was made in the wrist and a muscle taken out and transplanted in the hand to make tee thumb and fingers work. Incisions made in various parts of the body have required 250 stitches. After all these "ops."' she can now stand on her feet and walk with crutches, and after her next operation she says that she is going to burn the crutches, for she will be able to play tennis, swim, dance, and enjoy life as any pretty, normal girl Bliould.