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First Lady Meets 11-Year-Old Greek Girl Whose Heart Surgery She Arranged

Feb. 21, 1962 - Chrysanthemis Papacosis, an 11-year-old Greek girl, and Mrs. Jacqueline Kennedy, who had the child brought to this country to undergo a delicate heart operation, met in Washington today. They sat together and posed for photographs on the first floor of the White House. The girl was brought to the White House from Walter Reed Hospital, where she underwent surgery on Feb. 1. She was accompanied by her father, Spiridon, a farmer. The child was taken on a conducted tour, then to the private quarters of President and Mrs. Kennedy. While in Greece last year, Mrs. Kennedy heard of Chrysanthemis, who has a congenital malformation of the heart. Mrs. Kennedy arranged for the girl’s trip to this country on an Air Force plane. Chrysanthemis is getting along well but must remain at the hospital for a week or more. After that, she will remain in the Washington area for another month so doctors can check on her. Four-year-old Caroline Kennedy was on hand with her mother to greet the special visitor.

© 2024 by Joe Rubenstein

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