Teenage Polio Patient Patsy Dreams of Visiting a Rodeo in 1947

On August 4, 1947, young Patsy Pfeifer, a 14-year-old girl confined to bed due to polio since 1942, dreamed of attending a rodeo—a passion fueled by her love for horses and her talent for watercolor painting. Despite her physical limitations, Patsy found joy in creating art from her window, depicting flowers, the sky, and imagined scenes of horses. Her inspiring story caught the attention of local authorities, leading Sheriff Eugene Biscailuz to invite her to a rodeo at the Los Angeles Coliseum, sponsored by the Sheriff's Relief Association. Her resilience and aspirations were celebrated when she and her family visited Childrens Hospital to donate one of her watercolor paintings. Although her subsequent life remains undocumented, her story highlights the challenges of polio-era medicine and the enduring spirit of a young girl with big dreams.