One might think that being born into a wealthy, powerful and highly successful family would guarantee a child a charmed life. But such was certainly not the fate of Rosemary, the third child and first daughter in a family of nine children born to Joe and Rose Kennedy.

Rosemary's dangerous and bizarre birth experience deprived her of much-needed oxygen, which ultimately would prove to be the beginning of a tragic life. Rosemary was developmentally disabled, and could not keep up with her athletic, bright, energetic siblings. Therapy, tutors and extra attention could accomplish only so much. By age 11, she was sent away to boarding school, the first of many. 

When Joe was appointed ambassador to Great Britain, Rosemary joined the family in London. She practiced her curtsey for weeks, yet still stumbled when presented to the queen. Happily, she developed into a lovely young woman and enjoyed the attention of men. However, it concerned Joe that she would be treated badly or possibly bring scandal to the family. When war broke out, the family returned home.

"Though her life was a tragedy caused by errors, poor decisions often made with the best of intentions, and the misjudgments of others, [Rosemary's] legacy is undeniably huge."

There Rosemary regressed, experiencing violent outbursts and seizures. By now, Joe was at his wit’s end. Though it was considered a very risky surgery, he consented to the now-23-year-old Rosemary undergoing a prefrontal lobotomy, which ultimately left her virtually helpless and permanently disabled. She was then sent to a Catholic-run care facility in Wisconsin.

Because money was no object, Joe made sure that Rosemary had round-the-clock attention, a car available to take her on outings, nice clothes, a pool in which to swim, and anything else she wanted. Although he spared no expense to make her comfortable and happy, he never visited her or saw her again. Joe and Rose made up vague stories to explain her absence to their children and anyone else who inquired. It turned out to be 20 years before Rose saw her disabled daughter. The visit did not go well; understandably, Rosemary reacted badly upon seeing her mother after being abandoned for so many years.

Eventually Rosemary was brought home for brief visits, and her siblings were touched by her plight. By now, the family was exceptionally well connected politically and used their influence to bring about many changes and improvements for the disabled. Younger sister Eunice lobbied their father to fund research into mental disabilities, which he did willingly. She leaned on her brother, the president, who set up government programs to provide research and training in the field of mental disabilities. She was the driving force behind the Special Olympics, which has made a lasting and positive impact for many disabled individuals. And youngest brother Ted, as senator, sponsored the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

Rosemary died at age 86, surrounded by four devoted siblings. Though her life was a tragedy caused by errors, poor decisions often made with the best of intentions, and the misjudgments of others, her legacy is undeniably huge.