A childhood illness inspired the boy who was not big for his age and not from a wealthy family to grow up to make an important difference in the lives of every child and adult in Canada.

Here is the little-known story of Tommy Douglas and his dream. When Tommy was a boy in Winnipeg his knee injury led to osteomyelitis, and doctors made the frightening decision to amputate his leg. His leg was saved by a specialist who performed surgery at no cost so Tommy could run and play games again. Growing up, Tommy never forgot that other children whose parents didn't have money to pay surgeons were not so fortunate. He became a fiery politician and his dream to have good medical care for all Canadians came true.

Tommy Douglas is known as the Father of Medicare.