Florence Rena Sabin

Modern day Colorado would have never been this way without the many courageous and talented people who shaped today's state. Their efforts and triumphs led us to become successful in many ways, one being in health care. During the principle years of the shaping of Colorado (1850-1900), a woman named Florence Rena Sabin contributed to great advances in the health of her people, which also helped health care worldwide. In her achievements she received many commemorations as well as well known publicity.

Florence R. Sabin was one of two daughters born to mining engineer George K. Sabin and schoolteacher Serena Miner Sabin in Commerce City, Colorado. Sabin started out with a bit of a rough childhood after her mother died of puerperal fever after her miscarriage. Sabin was 7 years old at the time and had to move around with her older sister, Mary, quite a bit as they were passed along relatives moving from Denver, to Chicago with their uncle Albert Sabin, and then to Vermont where they stayed with their paternal grandparents. Both Sabin and her sister attended Vermont Academy and later pursued further education and moved to attend Smith College (a private,
In 1953, the finest scientist born to Colorado passed away, but left a lasting impression to her home and to the world of health.

Through awards, commemorations, buildings left in her honor, and being the first woman to accomplish so much in the medical industry, the greatest memory of Sabin is in Washington D.C. in the National Statuary Hall where her statue now lives on and reminds Colorado of the great scientist that helped change our health care system and in the long run helped all of us live healthier lives. She is a role model and an inspiration to women and by far one of the most dedicated individuals who helped and served people her entire