Article September 1, 2013

"As a child I was never called strong..."

Cora Mead Cheney

Originally published in the 1914 pamphlet “Christian Science: its legal status—a defense of human rights”

As a child I was never called strong, and I had many sicknesses when a girl. After my second child was born it was discovered that I had spinal trouble, caused by being thrown from a carriage when a child. Some years later I commenced to suffer severely all over, and my ankles began to stiffen. A doctor who was called in, said it was rheumatism; that the joints were drying, and that I had let it go too long to get help. I was then attended by another physician for about six week, he claiming the bladder was the cause of my trouble.

After a time I was treated by still another doctor who did everything possible for my relief, consulting eminent physicians in Boston and New York hospitals. For six months I could not step into a carriage or car, and walked but little. I thought it would be better to die than live to be helpless, which was the prospect, and my physician finally refused to come to me, saying he could do nothing to relieve the suffering and could not bear to witness it.

At this point I was advised to try Christian Science. I was so desperate that immediately I turned to it. At the end of the first week I was greatly improved, at the end of the second week I went shopping, and in three weeks stopped regular treatment. Now I never fear rheumatism, and go out in all kinds of weather. I have been able, when necessary, to do work for seven in the family. Myself and family firmly believe in Christian Science and love Mrs. Mary Baker Eddy, its Discoverer and Founder.

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