Secretarially signed TLS with a postscript in Kennedy’s hand, one page, 6 x 8, United States Senate letterhead, January 7, 1955. Letter to Mr. and Mrs. John O’Rourke. In part: “Many, many thanks for your kind message to me when I was in the hospital in New York. Hospitals are gloomy places, I am afraid; and it makes a tremendous difference when friends remember you as you did…I am feeling much better and am looking forward to getting back to Washington…Until then, Jackie and I want to wish you and all your family a very happy and successful New Year.” At the bottom, Kennedy pens: “Many many thanks for your thoughtfulness.” In fine condition. Accompanied by an unsigned photo of JFK and the O’Rourkes. Kennedy had back pain that became increasingly unbearable throughout 1954, and underwent life-threatening surgery in October to have a metal plate fused to his spine. If unsuccessful, the operation could have left Kennedy paralyzed, and his Addison’s disease drastically increased the chance of infection. During Kennedy’s slow recovery, doctors determined that the site of the new plate was infected, and the plate had to be removed—leading to another months-long recovery. Still, Kennedy triumphed over these obstacles and returned to Washington in May, having used his spare time to write the Pulitzer Prize-winning Profiles in Courage. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA. From the collection of Massachusetts representative John O'Rourke.
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