List of Famous People with Paraplegia, loosely ranked by fame and popularity. Paraplegia is an impairment which causes paralysis in the lower limbs. Most people that become paraplegics have sustained serious spinal cord injuries. In some cases, paraplegia can be improved by extensive physical therapy and stem cell treatments.
Who is the most famous person with paraplegia? Former President Franklin D. Roosevelt tops our list. In 1921, Roosevelt contracted polio while on vacation in Canada. During the trip, Roosevelt fell into the water when he was boating. 16 days later he was paralyzed in both legs. Roosevelt did not like to be photographed in his wheelchair and he forced himself to learn to stand and walk short distances with the help of leg braces and a cane.
Hustler magazine founder Larry Flynt was paralyzed in an assassination attempt. Flynt was shot by a white supremacist who was outraged about an interracial photo that Flynt ran in Hustler. After the injury, Flynt became addicted to pain killers and suffered a stroke as a result of the addiction. Despite this, he does not think that his assailant should get the death penalty.
How do you think these famous people adapted to the loss of mobility in their legs? Share your thoughts in the comments section.
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Charles Krauthammer
Pulitzer Prize winner Charles Krauthammer was paralyzed in an auto accident in 1972.
Deng Pufang
Deng Pufang, vice-chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, was paralyzed after being thrown out a three story window in 1968. He was being tortured by Chairman Mao's Red Guards for being a "capitalist roader."
Franklin D. Roosevelt
In 1921, Franklin D. Roosevelt came down with polio, which paralyzed his legs. Roosevelt wanted to keep this from the public, and thus there are very few photographs of him in a wheelchair.
George Wallace
Politician George Wallace was paralyzed in an assassination attempt in 1972.
John Porter East
Senator John Porter East became a paraplegic in 1955 when he contracted polio.
Larry Flynt
Hustler founder Larry Flint became paralyzed in 1978 after an assassination attempt. Flynt was shot by a white supremacist who was angry about an interracial photo that Flynt published in Hustler.
Robert Wyatt
Musician Robert Wyatt became paralyzed from the waist down after falling out of a fourth story window when he was intoxicated.
Sharry Konopski
Model and actress Sharry Konopski became paralyzed in 1995 after she was involved in a car accident with some deer.
Wolfgang Schäuble
German politician Wolfgang Schauble became a paraplegic after an assassination attempt in 1990.
Ajith C. S. Perera
Cricket player and chemist Ajith C.S. Perera was paralyzed in a car accident in 1992, forcing him to end his cricket career.