A deadly disease swept through America. It struck suddenly and mysteriously. Thousands would die. Many more would be left helpless. The disease was poliomyelitis. Polio would enlist renowned scientists, shape the vision of one of the world's greatest leaders (Franklin Roosevelt), and transform a young unknown doctor (Jonas Salk) into a world-famous hero. Ingenuity, trial and error, even acts of scientific desperation would pave the way to one of the greatest breakthroughs in scientific history.