Much we don't know about Eva Perón , but her name rings a bell, and immediately we remember "Don't cry for me Argentina" together with the fabulous voice and interpretation of Madonna.
Who was Eva Perón? That’s easy. The wife of the President of Argentina.
What Evita Perón clicks into the Argentinian people brains - a saint.
Her story - the love and devotion she showed to her people, the impressive charity work and her involve in the politics of her state between 1945-1952, together with Juan Perón - is unbelievable impressive and inspiring.
And her story after her death seems like taken out of a fantasy novel - It took over 22 years after her death, that Eva Perón would finally find her final peace and rest place, and actually be berried properly.
The legacy she left to Argentina - Eva Perón Foundation is made up of thousands of establishment including more then 35 hospitals which still exists, 450 schools that later on were donated to the Ministry of Education, 5 elderly homes, 5 children's homes and a Village of Children. She had a deep love for the most needy and she believed in equality of the people, but she never had enough time to achieve what she wanted.
Who was Eva Perón? That’s easy. The wife of the President of Argentina.
What Evita Perón clicks into the Argentinian people brains - a saint.
Her story - the love and devotion she showed to her people, the impressive charity work and her involve in the politics of her state between 1945-1952, together with Juan Perón - is unbelievable impressive and inspiring.
And her story after her death seems like taken out of a fantasy novel - It took over 22 years after her death, that Eva Perón would finally find her final peace and rest place, and actually be berried properly.
The legacy she left to Argentina - Eva Perón Foundation is made up of thousands of establishment including more then 35 hospitals which still exists, 450 schools that later on were donated to the Ministry of Education, 5 elderly homes, 5 children's homes and a Village of Children. She had a deep love for the most needy and she believed in equality of the people, but she never had enough time to achieve what she wanted.
"I love too much the shirtless, the women, the workers of my country, and as an extension , I love to much the people of the world, exploited and sentenced to death by the imperialists and by the most privileged. It hurts me too much the pain of the poor, the humble, the great pain of so much humanity without sun and sky , to keep my silence."
Eva Peron- My mensaje (1952)
Eva Peron- My mensaje (1952)
Evita Peron - Peronist,Saint and Legend
(7th May 1919 - 26th July 1952)
Early life
She was born María Eva Ibarguren, the daughter of Juana Ibarguren and Juan Duarde in the small town of Los Toldos. Eva lived under the cloud of illegitimacy for most of her life starting with her childhood as her father was already married and she, along with her four siblings were the kids of the mistress. In her autobiography "La razon de mi vida"( The reason of my life) Eva writes , "From every period of my life, I retain the memory of some injustice tormenting me and tearing me apart."
The traumatic events she had been trough at her father's funeral, when she and her family were refused entry by his lawful wife, changed her forever, being stigmatized by the abandonment of the father and by the illegitimate status Although Juana and the children were permitted to enter and pay their respects to Duarte, they were promptly directed out .
Poverty-sticken, Juana Ibarguren and her children had to move to the poorest area of Jurin where Juana earned her livelihood by doing needlework. Initially, they used to live in a one-room apartment there. Later, they shifted to a bigger house. At that time, Evita developed an interest towards acting by participating in school plays.
Sixteen years old Eva manage to move to Buenos Aires, seeking her dream of becoming an actrice, leaving behind the poverty and struggle. There were many speculations made on this subject. some say she ran away with a musician , others add that the musician was Augustín Magaldi, a famous tango singer. The family sustains that she was allowed and helped by her mother on the suggestion of the Rector of the National College, who left Eva in the care close family friends. One way or another, Eva made her first choise: "Shall I remain a small town girl and marry here as so many girls do? Shall I be a teacher like Blanca? Or an employee like Elisa?" By 1935 Evita had made up her mind: "I'll be an actress!"
"Like the birds, I've always preferred the freedom of the forest. I haven't even been able to tolerate that minimum loss of freedom which comes from living with your parents or in your hometown. Very early in life I left my home and my hometown and since then I've always lived free. I've wanted to be on my own and I have been on my own." (La Razón de Mi Vida)
"Like the birds, I've always preferred the freedom of the forest. I haven't even been able to tolerate that minimum loss of freedom which comes from living with your parents or in your hometown. Very early in life I left my home and my hometown and since then I've always lived free. I've wanted to be on my own and I have been on my own." (La Razón de Mi Vida)
Career
In Buenos Aires, her debut performance on stage was iat 28 March 1935. In 1936, she went on a national tour with a theatre company. She also worked as a model and got offer of acting in a few B-grade films. The turning point of her career came when she got the offer of a daily role in a radio drama titled ‘Muy bien’, broadcast on World Radio. Later, she signed a five year contract with Radio Belgrano to act as Elizabeth I of England, Sarah Bernhardt and the last Tsarina of Russia in ‘Great Women of History’, a historical-drama program.
At that time, she even became the co-owner of the radio company. Apart from that, she also acted in a few movies which did not receive much success. By 1943, she became one of the highest paid radio actresses in the country. In the same year, she began her career in politics as one of the founders of the Argentine Radio Syndicate.
At that time, she even became the co-owner of the radio company. Apart from that, she also acted in a few movies which did not receive much success. By 1943, she became one of the highest paid radio actresses in the country. In the same year, she began her career in politics as one of the founders of the Argentine Radio Syndicate.
Meeting Juan Perón
On 15 of January 1944, en earthquake destroyed 90% of Ardean city of San Juan. Seven thousands people died and 12,000 were injured. From the Secretariat of labor and Social Welfare, Juan Perón organized a national relief effort and invited the most popular stars of the day to participate. Eva was among them and helped take up collections for the needy.
On January 22, a great festival was held at Luna Park Stadium with all benefits destined for the victims of the earthquake. Eva and Colonel Perón began a relationship which would be socially confirmed at a gala held at the Colón Opera House on July 9 to celebrate Argentina's Independence Day.
Two days before, General Farrell (who assumed the Presidency on March 11 when Ramirez resigned) had designated Perón as Vice President. Perón retained his first position in charge of the Secretariat of Labor and Social Welfare as well as a second position which he had recently assumed as Minister of War.
Eva, for her part, had at that time 3 programs on Radio Belgrano: at 10:30 A.M. she starred in "Towards a Better Future" which exalted the goals of the 1943 Revolution; at 6:00 P.M. she was in charge of the cast of the drama, "Tempest," and at 10:30 P.M. she starred in "Queen of Kings.
On May 6, 1944, she was chosen President of the Agrupación Radial Argentina, a union entity which she had founded in 1943.
Perón had become the key figure in the new military government-and the most irritating as far as the opposition was concerned. Eva's presence and the place Perón accorded her presented another target; this time his own colleagues would take aim at it. If Perón was atypical, the woman at his side was even more so: she had decided to stand at the side of her man, not behind him. And Perón had accepted that which was unacceptable at the time.
On 13 October 1945, one sector of the government was successful in obtaining Perón's resignation from all his positions. He was detained and sent to Martin Garcia, an island off the coast of Buenos Aires. By this time the workers had realized that Perón's disappearance would mean the disappearance of his labor policy and all the conquests they had made. At dawn on October 17 they began to abandon their workplaces and head towards Plaza de Mayo: they demanded the appearance of their Colonel. Perón's withdrawal had produced a vacuum of power which only he could fill.
That night Perón appeared on the balcony of the Casa Rosada and announced that elections would be held soon. The Plaza became a witness to a new political force in Argentina. For the cheering occupants of the overflowing Plaza de Mayo, Perón was now not only their leader but also their candidate.
On January 22, a great festival was held at Luna Park Stadium with all benefits destined for the victims of the earthquake. Eva and Colonel Perón began a relationship which would be socially confirmed at a gala held at the Colón Opera House on July 9 to celebrate Argentina's Independence Day.
Two days before, General Farrell (who assumed the Presidency on March 11 when Ramirez resigned) had designated Perón as Vice President. Perón retained his first position in charge of the Secretariat of Labor and Social Welfare as well as a second position which he had recently assumed as Minister of War.
Eva, for her part, had at that time 3 programs on Radio Belgrano: at 10:30 A.M. she starred in "Towards a Better Future" which exalted the goals of the 1943 Revolution; at 6:00 P.M. she was in charge of the cast of the drama, "Tempest," and at 10:30 P.M. she starred in "Queen of Kings.
On May 6, 1944, she was chosen President of the Agrupación Radial Argentina, a union entity which she had founded in 1943.
Perón had become the key figure in the new military government-and the most irritating as far as the opposition was concerned. Eva's presence and the place Perón accorded her presented another target; this time his own colleagues would take aim at it. If Perón was atypical, the woman at his side was even more so: she had decided to stand at the side of her man, not behind him. And Perón had accepted that which was unacceptable at the time.
On 13 October 1945, one sector of the government was successful in obtaining Perón's resignation from all his positions. He was detained and sent to Martin Garcia, an island off the coast of Buenos Aires. By this time the workers had realized that Perón's disappearance would mean the disappearance of his labor policy and all the conquests they had made. At dawn on October 17 they began to abandon their workplaces and head towards Plaza de Mayo: they demanded the appearance of their Colonel. Perón's withdrawal had produced a vacuum of power which only he could fill.
That night Perón appeared on the balcony of the Casa Rosada and announced that elections would be held soon. The Plaza became a witness to a new political force in Argentina. For the cheering occupants of the overflowing Plaza de Mayo, Perón was now not only their leader but also their candidate.
Eva married Juan Perón after his release from prison , on 22 of October. After, she led a powerful campaign for her husband during the 1946 presidential bid. For this purpose, she used to deliver speeches through her weekly radio program.
For the first time in history, a candidate's wife accompanied him. At each campaign stop, she handed out buttons and greeted the people personally, which was very unusual at that time. On February 8 she took another step forward: a convocation of working women met at Luna Park to show their adhesion to the Labor Party ticket. The presidential candidate was ill and could not go. Eva went in his place. It was her debut as a speaker- but they wouldn't let her speak. Every time she tried, the women shouted, "We want Perón!"
A few months later she would be acclaimed. She would have become another person. She would be Evita.
For the first time in history, a candidate's wife accompanied him. At each campaign stop, she handed out buttons and greeted the people personally, which was very unusual at that time. On February 8 she took another step forward: a convocation of working women met at Luna Park to show their adhesion to the Labor Party ticket. The presidential candidate was ill and could not go. Eva went in his place. It was her debut as a speaker- but they wouldn't let her speak. Every time she tried, the women shouted, "We want Perón!"
A few months later she would be acclaimed. She would have become another person. She would be Evita.
Eva Perón - First lady of Argentina
When Perón assumed the Presidency, Evita, unlike other Presidents' wives, asked herself what role she would assume from then on. Once again she questioned herself about herself, she redefined herself. This time her role would be defined by her relationship to Perón as President and Leader.
"This is a foundational circumstance and is related directly to my decision to be a President's wife who does not follow the old model. I could have followed those models. I want to make this clear because sometimes people have tried to explain my "incomprehensible sacrifice" by arguing that the salons of the oligarchy would have been closed to me in any case. Nothing is further from the truth nor from common sense. I could have been a President's wife in the same way that others were. It is a simple and agreeable role: appear on holidays, receive honors, "dress up" and follow protocol which is almost what I did before, and I believe more or less well, in the theater and the cinema. As far as the hostility of the oligarchs goes, I can't help but smile. And I ask: why would the oligarchs reject me? Because of my humble origins? Because of my career as an actress? But has that class of persons ever taken those reasons into account, here or in any part of the world, when it is the case of the wife of the President? The oligarchy was never hostile to anyone who could be useful. Power and money are never bad advantages for a genuine oligarch... . But I was not just the spouse of the President of the Republic, I was also the wife of the leader of the Argentine people".
"Peron had a double personality and I would need to have one also: I am Eva Peron, the wife of the President, whose work is simple and agreeable ... and I am also Evita, the wife of the leader of a people who have deposited in him all their faith, hope and love."
"This is a foundational circumstance and is related directly to my decision to be a President's wife who does not follow the old model. I could have followed those models. I want to make this clear because sometimes people have tried to explain my "incomprehensible sacrifice" by arguing that the salons of the oligarchy would have been closed to me in any case. Nothing is further from the truth nor from common sense. I could have been a President's wife in the same way that others were. It is a simple and agreeable role: appear on holidays, receive honors, "dress up" and follow protocol which is almost what I did before, and I believe more or less well, in the theater and the cinema. As far as the hostility of the oligarchs goes, I can't help but smile. And I ask: why would the oligarchs reject me? Because of my humble origins? Because of my career as an actress? But has that class of persons ever taken those reasons into account, here or in any part of the world, when it is the case of the wife of the President? The oligarchy was never hostile to anyone who could be useful. Power and money are never bad advantages for a genuine oligarch... . But I was not just the spouse of the President of the Republic, I was also the wife of the leader of the Argentine people".
"Peron had a double personality and I would need to have one also: I am Eva Peron, the wife of the President, whose work is simple and agreeable ... and I am also Evita, the wife of the leader of a people who have deposited in him all their faith, hope and love."
The Rainbow Tour
For political purpose, she went on the ‘Rainbow Tour’ of Europe in 1947. As part of this tour, she visited Spain, Italy, Portugal, Switzerland, Monaco and France. Acclaimed in Spain, she received the country's highest decoration: the Great Cross of Isabel the Catholic. In Italy she was received by Pope Pius XII. The gold rosary he gave her would be placed in her hands at the hour of her death. In Italy she did not always receive a warm welcome: the Communist Party demonstrated its repudiation of her visit by shouting, "Down with Fascism!" There were other protests along the way as the tour continued, but the Communists' were the strongest. In France she met the future Pope John XXIII and gave a large donation to the victims injured in the violent explosion which destroyed the Port of Brest. She also took time from her schedule to relax.
On 8 July 1948, she set up the Fundacion Maria Eva Duarte de Peron that was reamed later as the Eva Peron Foundation. This organization was involved in charitable activities and used to provide scholarships.
In 1951, she set up the Female Peronist Party, the first female political party in the country with 500,000 members and 3,600 headquarters across Argentina. In the same year, she secured her place as a potential candidate for the election of Vice-President for which she received great support from the Argentines.
On 8 July 1948, she set up the Fundacion Maria Eva Duarte de Peron that was reamed later as the Eva Peron Foundation. This organization was involved in charitable activities and used to provide scholarships.
In 1951, she set up the Female Peronist Party, the first female political party in the country with 500,000 members and 3,600 headquarters across Argentina. In the same year, she secured her place as a potential candidate for the election of Vice-President for which she received great support from the Argentines.
11 November 1951 - Women vote for the first time in Argentina
The political action taken in favor of women harvested its fruits in the elections held on November 11, 1951. For the first time ever 3,816,654 women voted, 63.9% for the Peronista Party,and 30.8% for the Radical Civic Union Party.The Peronista Party was the only one to include women as candidates for election. In 1952, 23 women deputies and 6 senators took their seats in Congress.
Eva fighting for the women rights
"Everything, absolutely everything in our contemporary world," wrote Eva Perón in the middle of the 20th century, "has been tailored to the measure of men."
"We are absent from governments."
"We are absent from Parliaments."
"From international organizations."
"We are neither in the Vatican nor the Kremlin."
"We are not part of the upper echelons of the imperialist countries."
"We are not in the atomic energy commissions."
"Nor in the great multinational corporations."
"Nor in freemasonry nor in any secret societies."
"We are not in any of the great power centers of the world."
Eva fighting for the women rights
"Everything, absolutely everything in our contemporary world," wrote Eva Perón in the middle of the 20th century, "has been tailored to the measure of men."
"We are absent from governments."
"We are absent from Parliaments."
"From international organizations."
"We are neither in the Vatican nor the Kremlin."
"We are not part of the upper echelons of the imperialist countries."
"We are not in the atomic energy commissions."
"Nor in the great multinational corporations."
"Nor in freemasonry nor in any secret societies."
"We are not in any of the great power centers of the world."
Eva Perón Foundation
Memorials to Eva’s life, legacy and death can be seen throughout Buenos Aires and Argentina. The Evita Museum in Buenos Aires tells the story of her life and death with exhibits and movies.
Evita constructed the Foundation rapidly, in the same way that she would later organise the Peronista Women’s Party . She thought it best so as to be able to work quickly to have a verticalist, pyramid structure which gave her absolute freedom to make decisions and enabled her to escape from the bureaucracy she so detested. That is why people say that Evita wouldn’t tolerate “second fiddles” around her. That is also why the Foundation did not have any irrelevant rules or administrators until 1953 (after Evita’s death).
Evita had already decided that she would not be a traditional First Lady (a title that Jacqueline Kennedy said sounded like the name of a horse); she began to find ways to meet the needs of the people who crowded the sidewalks outside her house.
By September the mail averaged 3,000 letters a day and long lines of mothers with babies in their arms and toddlers clutching at their skirts, of older people and people with disabilities, the forgotten and forsaken of society, daily converged on the Residence. Evita knew she had to find a way to offer them immediate help. She began to buy food and clothing with her own money and stack the boxes and bundles in an unused garage on the Residence property. When the labor unions found out, they began to send contributions - everything from shoes to sugar.
After Perón went to bed at night, Evita, her private secretary, Atilio Renzi, her maid, Irma Ferrari, the cook, Bartolo, and two waiters, Sánchez and Fernández, would work until dawn to package the merchandise. One day Perón visited the garage, and was surprised to find that all the items were brand new.
“Of course,” Evita replied. “I’m buying some things with my own money and some are donated by people who want to help.”
“Well, this is a real delight for the needy! “(“Es una verdadera delicia para los necesitados!”) exclaimed Perón, and from then on the garage was known as “La Tienda de las Delicias” or “The Store of Delights.”
In his book, "Del Poder al Exilio" (From power to exile), Perón reminisced about the official beginning of the Fundación Eva Peron:
“One night at the dinner table, [Evita] explained her program. She sounded like a calculator.
I asked her, ‘And the money?’
She looked at me in amusement. ‘That’s easy,” she replied. “I’ll start with yours.’
‘With mine? What money of mine?’
‘Your salary as President.’ ”
Evita constructed the Foundation rapidly, in the same way that she would later organise the Peronista Women’s Party . She thought it best so as to be able to work quickly to have a verticalist, pyramid structure which gave her absolute freedom to make decisions and enabled her to escape from the bureaucracy she so detested. That is why people say that Evita wouldn’t tolerate “second fiddles” around her. That is also why the Foundation did not have any irrelevant rules or administrators until 1953 (after Evita’s death).
Evita had already decided that she would not be a traditional First Lady (a title that Jacqueline Kennedy said sounded like the name of a horse); she began to find ways to meet the needs of the people who crowded the sidewalks outside her house.
By September the mail averaged 3,000 letters a day and long lines of mothers with babies in their arms and toddlers clutching at their skirts, of older people and people with disabilities, the forgotten and forsaken of society, daily converged on the Residence. Evita knew she had to find a way to offer them immediate help. She began to buy food and clothing with her own money and stack the boxes and bundles in an unused garage on the Residence property. When the labor unions found out, they began to send contributions - everything from shoes to sugar.
After Perón went to bed at night, Evita, her private secretary, Atilio Renzi, her maid, Irma Ferrari, the cook, Bartolo, and two waiters, Sánchez and Fernández, would work until dawn to package the merchandise. One day Perón visited the garage, and was surprised to find that all the items were brand new.
“Of course,” Evita replied. “I’m buying some things with my own money and some are donated by people who want to help.”
“Well, this is a real delight for the needy! “(“Es una verdadera delicia para los necesitados!”) exclaimed Perón, and from then on the garage was known as “La Tienda de las Delicias” or “The Store of Delights.”
In his book, "Del Poder al Exilio" (From power to exile), Perón reminisced about the official beginning of the Fundación Eva Peron:
“One night at the dinner table, [Evita] explained her program. She sounded like a calculator.
I asked her, ‘And the money?’
She looked at me in amusement. ‘That’s easy,” she replied. “I’ll start with yours.’
‘With mine? What money of mine?’
‘Your salary as President.’ ”
Everything began simply and without ceremony.
Just as Evita said: " And we began. Little by little. I couldn’t tell you exactly on which day. What I can tell you is that at first I took care of everything myself."
Just as Evita said: " And we began. Little by little. I couldn’t tell you exactly on which day. What I can tell you is that at first I took care of everything myself."
At the end, Eva Perón Foundation is made up of thousands of establishment including more then 35 hospitals which still exists, 450 schools that later on were donated to the Ministry of Education, 5 elderly homes, 5 children's homes and a Village of Children.
She insisted on the fact that nobody should feel less important, and for that in the schools or institutions for children, uniforms were forbidden, as she wanted that every child to feel important. Every toy or piece of clothing were new and most of the times more expensive than was needed. She believed that a child hoy and safety was no a luxury and she wanted to offer that to every one.
The elderly homes were actually small villages where, she said, she didn't wanted people to sit and expect their deaths, but where they would be able to do all kind of jobs or activities to keep them satisfied, useful and happy.
The Foundation build four polyclinics in Buenos Aires, in Ezeiza, Avellaneda, Lanus and San Martín, and others in the interior of the country. The Foundation also donated modern medical equipment to other hospitals. School of NursesThe Eva Perón Hospital Train, equipped with state-of-the-art medical technology, crisscrossed the country providing checkups and services to the people in the most remote areas.In September, 1951, the School of Nurses was inaugurated. The School was one of Evita's most cherished successes; graduates worked all over Argentina and abroad.
To meet housing needs, the Foundation constructed workers' homes, such as the President Peron Neighborhood and Evita City which provided housing for over 25,000 families.
All the Foundation's works were followed and supervised by Evita, from the drawing board to their daily operation. She was often accompanied in her tours by visitors from abroad.
The Foundation also helped other countries in times of need or catastrophe, as Ecuador, Spain, Italy, Israel, France, Japan, Peru, and Bolivia (among others) can testify.
After Evita's death the Foundation continued to operate but without its former vigor and achievements. Perón tried to take her place but two circumstances were different: Perón was not Evita and the economy was not the same as it had been when Evita was alive.
She insisted on the fact that nobody should feel less important, and for that in the schools or institutions for children, uniforms were forbidden, as she wanted that every child to feel important. Every toy or piece of clothing were new and most of the times more expensive than was needed. She believed that a child hoy and safety was no a luxury and she wanted to offer that to every one.
The elderly homes were actually small villages where, she said, she didn't wanted people to sit and expect their deaths, but where they would be able to do all kind of jobs or activities to keep them satisfied, useful and happy.
The Foundation build four polyclinics in Buenos Aires, in Ezeiza, Avellaneda, Lanus and San Martín, and others in the interior of the country. The Foundation also donated modern medical equipment to other hospitals. School of NursesThe Eva Perón Hospital Train, equipped with state-of-the-art medical technology, crisscrossed the country providing checkups and services to the people in the most remote areas.In September, 1951, the School of Nurses was inaugurated. The School was one of Evita's most cherished successes; graduates worked all over Argentina and abroad.
To meet housing needs, the Foundation constructed workers' homes, such as the President Peron Neighborhood and Evita City which provided housing for over 25,000 families.
All the Foundation's works were followed and supervised by Evita, from the drawing board to their daily operation. She was often accompanied in her tours by visitors from abroad.
The Foundation also helped other countries in times of need or catastrophe, as Ecuador, Spain, Italy, Israel, France, Japan, Peru, and Bolivia (among others) can testify.
After Evita's death the Foundation continued to operate but without its former vigor and achievements. Perón tried to take her place but two circumstances were different: Perón was not Evita and the economy was not the same as it had been when Evita was alive.
Evita's death
Eva Perón passed away on July 26, 1952 at only 33 years of age. She was powerful, glamorous, charismatic, and a tragic figure whose body didn’t come to a peaceful rest until 1974.
In 1950, at the age of 30 and the height of her popularity, she fainted in public. Initially she was diagnosed with appendicitis and had her appendix removed. But she continued to weaken and easily fatigue, and experienced profuse vaginal bleeding. Upon examination by her gynecologist, she was diagnosed with cervical cancer. The finding was withheld from her and her adoring crowds on the orders of Juan. Many believe Juan kept the news quiet as he felt “Evita,” with her mega-wattage star power, was too important to his presidential election, and any weakness might influence the vote.
Eva’s fainting and heavy vaginal bleeding continued throughout the presidential campaign of 1951, and by November, Juan informed her that she would undergo surgery to remove her uterus, and that Argentinian surgeon Ricardo Finochietto would perform the operation. Once she was in the operating room and under anesthesia, instead of Finochietto, American cancer surgeon George T. Pack removed an extensive cancer of the cervix that had already spread to her abdomen. Before Eva came out of anesthesia, Dr. Pack was on his way to the airport to catch a plane back to New York. Again, under Juan’s orders, she was told she had a routine removal of the uterus that would correct the bleeding. She was never told she had cervical cancer, which would eventually take her life.
Ironically, Perón’s first wife also died of cervical cancer, due to a venereal disease caused by the human papilloma virus. In a theory put forward by Dr. Gabe Mirkin, Perón most likely killed both his wives by unknowingly giving them the same human papilloma virus that led to their deadly cervical cancers.
Eva’s last days were especially tragic. She was in constant, agonising pain, and had withered away to 36 kilos. To manage her pain, she went for an operation where the procedure was never explained to her.
Eva Perón was lobotomized.
Dr. Barron H. Lerner of Columbia University, in an essay written for The New York Times, stated that in 2005, a doctor involved in treating Eva Perón for her cancer claimed she received a lobotomy shortly before she died. Dr. Daniel E. Nijensohn, a Yale neurosurgeon, investigated the claim and confirmed it. Travel records reveal that a neurosurgeon—an expert in the treatment of pain via lobotomy—traveled to Argentina right before her death. And x-rays show indentations in certain areas of Eva’s skull that are markers of this type of surgery. It is believed that the operation took place in May or June of 1952, shortly before Evita’s final public appearance. She died in July.
In 1950, at the age of 30 and the height of her popularity, she fainted in public. Initially she was diagnosed with appendicitis and had her appendix removed. But she continued to weaken and easily fatigue, and experienced profuse vaginal bleeding. Upon examination by her gynecologist, she was diagnosed with cervical cancer. The finding was withheld from her and her adoring crowds on the orders of Juan. Many believe Juan kept the news quiet as he felt “Evita,” with her mega-wattage star power, was too important to his presidential election, and any weakness might influence the vote.
Eva’s fainting and heavy vaginal bleeding continued throughout the presidential campaign of 1951, and by November, Juan informed her that she would undergo surgery to remove her uterus, and that Argentinian surgeon Ricardo Finochietto would perform the operation. Once she was in the operating room and under anesthesia, instead of Finochietto, American cancer surgeon George T. Pack removed an extensive cancer of the cervix that had already spread to her abdomen. Before Eva came out of anesthesia, Dr. Pack was on his way to the airport to catch a plane back to New York. Again, under Juan’s orders, she was told she had a routine removal of the uterus that would correct the bleeding. She was never told she had cervical cancer, which would eventually take her life.
Ironically, Perón’s first wife also died of cervical cancer, due to a venereal disease caused by the human papilloma virus. In a theory put forward by Dr. Gabe Mirkin, Perón most likely killed both his wives by unknowingly giving them the same human papilloma virus that led to their deadly cervical cancers.
Eva’s last days were especially tragic. She was in constant, agonising pain, and had withered away to 36 kilos. To manage her pain, she went for an operation where the procedure was never explained to her.
Eva Perón was lobotomized.
Dr. Barron H. Lerner of Columbia University, in an essay written for The New York Times, stated that in 2005, a doctor involved in treating Eva Perón for her cancer claimed she received a lobotomy shortly before she died. Dr. Daniel E. Nijensohn, a Yale neurosurgeon, investigated the claim and confirmed it. Travel records reveal that a neurosurgeon—an expert in the treatment of pain via lobotomy—traveled to Argentina right before her death. And x-rays show indentations in certain areas of Eva’s skull that are markers of this type of surgery. It is believed that the operation took place in May or June of 1952, shortly before Evita’s final public appearance. She died in July.
Perón arranged for Dr. Pedro Ara to embalm Eva’s body. Dr. Ara was a world-renowned professor of anatomy, having studied in Vienna, who maintained a practice in Madrid. His work was referred to as “the art of death.” His technique in embalming would remove blood from the corpse and replace it with glycerin, which would preserve all body organs and create a lifelike appearance. Eva Perón died at 8:25pm on July 26, 1952 and, by the next morning, her body was “completely and infinitely incorruptible” and ready for public display.
Perón announced that Eva’s body would be placed on display at the headquarters of the General Confederation of Labor. Lines would form early in the morning and would stretch for upwards of 35 blocks as thousands would file past the embalmed body. Thousands further would be turned away at the conclusion of each day. The corpse was to have remained on display while a monument projected to be larger than the Statue of Liberty was being designed to permanently display Evita’s preserved body.
Perón announced that Eva’s body would be placed on display at the headquarters of the General Confederation of Labor. Lines would form early in the morning and would stretch for upwards of 35 blocks as thousands would file past the embalmed body. Thousands further would be turned away at the conclusion of each day. The corpse was to have remained on display while a monument projected to be larger than the Statue of Liberty was being designed to permanently display Evita’s preserved body.
The 22 years journey
"I confess that I have an ambition, one great personal ambition: I want the name of Evita to figure when ever in the history of my country. And I feel properly, more than compensated if the note ended this way: From that woman we only know that the people call her affectionately, Evita."
Bibliography
Crassweller, Robert D. Perón and the Enigmas of Argentina. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 1987.
Fraser, Nicholas & Marysa Navarro. Evita: The Real Life of Eva Perón. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 1996.
Luna, Felix. El 45. Buenos Aires: Editoral Sudamericana, 1975.
Ortiz, Alicia Dujovne. Eva Perón. New York: St. Martin's Press, 1996.
Page, Joseph. Perón: A Biography. New York: Random House, 1983.
Fundación Eva Perón. Eva Perón and Her Social Work. Buenos Aires: Subsecretaria de Informaciones, 1950.
Escuela de Enfermeras. Buenos Aires: Subsecretaria de Informaciones, 1951.
Crassweller, Robert D. Perón and the Enigmas of Argentina. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 1987.
Fraser, Nicholas & Marysa Navarro. Evita: The Real Life of Eva Perón. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 1996.
Luna, Felix. El 45. Buenos Aires: Editoral Sudamericana, 1975.
Ortiz, Alicia Dujovne. Eva Perón. New York: St. Martin's Press, 1996.
Page, Joseph. Perón: A Biography. New York: Random House, 1983.
Fundación Eva Perón. Eva Perón and Her Social Work. Buenos Aires: Subsecretaria de Informaciones, 1950.
Escuela de Enfermeras. Buenos Aires: Subsecretaria de Informaciones, 1951.