Asthma in children--Patients--Care

Carlos Camargo and Tweed Roosevelt examine misconceptions about Theodore Roosevelt’s childhood struggle with asthma. Camargo and Roosevelt find that Theodore Roosevelt’s asthma was not psychosomatic, and they counter the assertions made by biographer David G. McCullough that Theodore Roosevelt used asthma attacks as a way to avoid church. Camargo and Roosevelt also contend that Theodore Roosevelt’s initiation of a vigorous exercise program did not “cure” his asthma, but they note that Roosevelt believed it did. The authors recognize that Roosevelt’s belief that he had overcome his asthma by pursuing a strenuous life was beneficial to him and important to his worldview.

Six photographs of Theodore Roosevelt, two of the authors, two tables, and three illustrations populate the article.

This article describes the tenth anniversary celebration of Camp Bronco Junction on July 24, 1977. Theodore Roosevelt Association (TRA) Executive Director John A. Gable represented the TRA at the West Virginia camp for asthmatic children because Theodore Roosevelt suffered from asthma as a child. The article details the day’s activities, the speakers and special guests, including two heavyweight boxers, and describes the camp’s facilities and staffing. 

 

The photograph which accompanies the article shows TRA Executive Director John A. Gable with one of the campers.

Richard Billing Thoman discusses Theodore Roosevelt’s childhood struggle with asthma. Thoman worked at Camp Bronco Junction in West Virginia, a camp designed for asthmatic children, and he notes that Roosevelt used a vigorous exercise and conditioning regime to help him combat his affliction. Thoman says that Camp Bronco Junction allows children with asthma to pursue physical activities just as Roosevelt did.

 

An accompanying photograph shows Mrs. John D. Rockefeller IV (Mrs. Sharon Percy Rockefeller), the First Lady of West Virginia, with a camper at Bronco Junction.