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A Newsletter for Rotary Leaders
NOVEMBER 2013 Issue # 140
― Doing Good in the World is more than a motto. It is our goal, our mission, and our reminder. It expresses
in the clearest terms why we have a Foundation, and it challenges us to reach as far as we can to do the most
good possible with everything we have. 2004-05 RI President Glenn E. Estess Sr.
Our Foundation
is one of the monthly
features of the
Rotary Global
History Fellowship.
www.ourfoundation.info
Our Foundation
Our Foundation
Page 2 A monthly feature of the Rotary Global History Fellowship
Trustee Chair’s Message
On 24 October, we mark World Polio Day. It is a time to
reflect on the progress we've made and to strengthen our
determination for the work ahead.
It's important to realize how far we've come. We have
reduced the number of polio cases by over 99 percent, from
more than 350,000 a year in the 1980s to 223 in 2012. But
now for the road ahead: Polio is still endemic in Afghanistan,
Nigeria, and Pakistan. Difficult terrain, civil unrest, remote
settlements, and poor sanitation are just some of the
obstacles to immunization. That's why we, and our partners in
the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, are determined to finish
our work.
With the announcement of the extended fundraising
partnership between Rotary International and the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation at the 2013 RI Convention in
Lisbon, Portugal, we have the chance to introduce millions of
new dollars into the campaign. The value of this extended
partnership is more than $500 million, and through it, your
contributions toward polio eradication will work twice as hard.
It's more important than ever that we all take action. Talk to
your government leaders, share your polio stories on your
social networks, and encourage others in your community to
join us in supporting this historic effort. When Rotarians
combine their passion for service with our strong global
network, we are unstoppable. With the backing of the Gates
Foundation and you, the Rotarians around the world, we can
change the face of public health forever.
Dong Kurn (D.K.) Lee Trustee Chair 2013-14
Issue # 140
Page 3 A monthly feature of the Rotary Global History Fellowship
NOW is the time!
Dear Readers,
October 1st, we had RI President Ron Burton having a live
conversation with a group of Rotaractors and young
Rotarians about how Rotary clubs can better involve young
people in their clubs and service projects. I am not sure on
how many of you participated in this conversation but I was
there, and found the entire discussion very interesting and
enlightening. Those who missed, can still watch the entire
discussion at the link below :
Conversation with RI President Ron Burton
One of the phrases of RI President Ron that caught my
attention was “New Generations are not our future, they are
our Now!” Having been a Rotaractor myself, and currently still
active with Rotaract and the youth, I strongly believe in this
statement. I have seen members of Rotaract Clubs doing
wonderful service projects and connecting very well with the
community, especially young children and their parents.
I believe we need to get our New Generations much more
actively involved in Rotary’s efforts to eradicate polio. The
youth of today have the energy, vigour and zest to reach out
to the community and take up the fight against polio.
“New Generations are not our future, they are our Now” …
and we need to End Polio Now!
Jeetendra Sharma
Editor-in-Chief
Our Foundation
Page 4 A monthly feature of the Rotary Global History Fellowship
World Polio Day Live Global
Update Join Rotary for a special Livestream event
Where are we in the fight to end polio? What have we accomplished? How can we make history together? Find out on World Polio Day.
To mark World Polio Day on October 24, Rotary and Northwestern University’s Center for Global Health will host a live-streamed global update on the status of the fight to end polio. If you are a supporter of Rotary’s effort to eradicate polio – or simply want to learn more about it – you won’t want to miss World Polio Day: Making History.
Featured guests include:
Dr. Bruce Aylward, World Health Organization, assistant director-general for polio, emergencies and country collaboration.
Dr. Robert Murphy, director of the Center for Global Health at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine.
Polio survivor and world-class Paralympian Dennis Ogbe.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how you can become a part of history by helping Rotary and its partners End Polio Now.
Visit the World Polio Day: Making History Livestream page to add the event to your calendar.
Embed the Livestream video player on your website or Facebook page.
Download a World Polio Day toolkit for sample social media posts and graphics.
Add a World Polio Day: Making History photo to your Facebook page.
Share your support on Twitter:
Join @Rotary on World Polio Day for a live global update on
polio eradication. #endpolio Share
What is the status of polio eradication? Find out during a live
event on World Polio Day. #endpolio Share
Issue # 140
Page 5 A monthly feature of the Rotary Global History Fellowship
Polio eradication has helped
define who we are By Jennifer Jones, moderator for Rotary’s Livestream event World Polio Day: Making
History
I was perhaps six or seven when I began to wonder why my
grandmother walked differently – why she had one leg that was
shorter than the other? As I would later learn, she was a polio
survivor but to me she was simply grandma.
A few decades later, this disease would play an even more
active role in my life, when I became a member of Rotary.
We have the privilege in our lifetime to participate in the
removal of a disease from this planet, which is nothing short of
miraculous. Each member of Rotary can “own” this victory, each
one of us can help shape our collective story.
Service is what we do but polio has truly helped define us. It
has showed us that we have the perseverance and drive to
tackle the world’s most challenging problems. It has increased
our understanding about the importance of partnerships and it
has been a rallying cry that has united us one and all.
Of course we had partners in this journey – but Rotarians
brought leadership – “in the field” volunteerism, financial
stewardship and we have been the heartbeat of the entire effort.
As we stand on the brink of eradication we have never been
“this close” or more determined to complete the task. On 24
October join supporters around the world by participating in a
broadcast on Livestream to discuss the “finish line.”
Have your club host a viewing party to watch and discuss the
broadcast which will include Dr. Bruce Aylward, WHO assistant
director-general for polio, emergencies and country
collaboration; Dr. Robert Murphy, director of the Center for
Global Health at Northwestern University Feinberg School of
Medicine; and polio survivor and world-class Paralympian
Dennis Ogbe, an ambassador for the United Nations
Foundation’s Shot@Life campaign to promote childhood
immunizations.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how you can become a part
of history by helping Rotary and its partners End Polio Now.
Source : Rotary Voices
As we stand on the
brink of eradication
we have never been
“this close” or more
determined to
complete the task.
Page 6 A monthly feature of the Rotary Global History Fellowship
Issue # 140
Page 7 A monthly feature of the Rotary Global History Fellowship
When can we say,
“Good-Bye Polio”?
Having contracted Polio as a child, Rotarian Ratan Sanghvi embarked on a difficult journey and has become Club President in the Rotary year when
India is set to be declared as polio-free.
OFN Editor in Chief, Jeetendra Sharma, in discussion with Rotarian Ratan Sanghvi...
OFN : How and when did you contract Polio?
Ratan : I contracted polio at the age of 5.
OFN : We can only but imagine the hardships you might have faced. Would you like to share some of the big challenges you have encountered and overcome?
Ratan : Owing to Polio, I had to face several hardships in school, college and my married life. I still continue to face many challenges, but I have kept fighting to overcome all my problems.
OFN : Who introduced you to Rotary and why did you join?
Ratan : PDG Dr Bhorgay and Dr Katekari introduced me to the club. I joined Rotary to serve the entire community. I like doing social services.
OFN : What did you think of Rotary’s Polio Plus program?
Ratan : In our District, the Pulse Polio Program should be a continuous program and all clubs should actively participate in this drive.
OFN : Have you actively participated in Rotary’s Polio Eradication efforts?
Ratan : Yes, I was also the District Chairman for Pulse Polio.
OFN : Did you ever think that India would be removed from the list of polio endemic countries?
Ratan : Yes. Rotarians and other agencies in India have put in great efforts. I hope we continue these efforts for new born babies.
Rotarian Ratan Sanghvi, affected with Polio since childhood, is the serving
President of Rotary Club of Pimpri (RI District 3131). He recently donated
US$10,000 towards the Gates Challenge.
Ratan Sanghvi being installed as Club President at the hands of the District
Governor (3131) Dr. Deepak Shikarpur
Continued …
Page 8 A monthly feature of the Rotary Global History Fellowship
Our Foundation
OFN : India has not had a single polio case for the last 2.5 years and is on track to be declared polio-free in January 2014. What are your feelings?
Ratan : I am eagerly waiting for India to be declared POLIO FREE. I will be happiest person on the Earth.
OFN : In this significant year of polio eradication for India, you have taken up the leadership of your Rotary Club. As a polio survivor, how does it feel to be the President of a Rotary Club?
Ratan : I feel very honoured. I am confident that this year my club will undertake successful service projects, with special focus on continuing our efforts towards polio eradication.
OFN : At the very start of the year, you become a Major Donor. What was your motivation?
Ratan : I was motivated by the good work done through the Rotary Foundation. I am very happy to be a Major Donor and will be motivating others towards this noble cause.
OFN : I was present during the Installation Ceremony of the District Governor and heard you putting a challenge to the Orthopedic Surgeons of the District. Could you share more details on your challenge?
Ratan : I have challenged all orthopedic doctors to remove the walking aid I am currently required to use so that I can walk without the Walker or Walking Stick. If this happens, I will feel that I have got second life and will be the happiest person.
OFN : As a polio survivor, what is the one message you would like to share with all Rotarians around the world?
Ratan : I make an appeal to all Rotarians in the world that as a victim of polio, I know better what difficulties I have faced in my entire life. Hence all of us should take up this challenge so that we can say “Good-Bye Polio” and ensure that no child in the world would need to suffer similar difficulties.
Rotarian Ratan Sanghvi being felicitated for his generous contribution by
PRIP Kalyan Banerjee in the presence of DG Dr. Deepak Shikarpur
Issue # 140
Page 9 A monthly feature of the Rotary Global History Fellowship
Polio Eradication Update
For The Week Ending 10/12/13
The Final Seven
Pakistan - 39 Polio cases recorded in 2013 compared to 43 on this date in 2012, with the most recent case reported on Sept. 10, 2013 in North Waziristan - an area where immunizations were suspended in June.
Afghanistan - 6 Polio cases recorded in 2013 compared to 21 on this date in 2012, with the recent cases reported on Aug. 27, 2013 from the Kunar province.
Nigeria - 49 Polio cases recorded in 2013 compared to 93 on this date in 2012, with the most recent cases (from Kano) reported on Sept. 10, 2013. Oral Polio vaccine will be administered with measles vaccine during Child Health Days in the North & central areas of Nigeria in early October.
Somalia - 170 Polio cases recorded in 2013 compared to 0 in 2012, with the most recent reported on Sept. 7. Permanent Vaccination posts have been established along entry & exits points on the Somalia-Ethiopia border.
Kenya - 14 Polio cases reported in 2013 compared to 0 in 2012, with the most recent case reported on August 14.
Ethiopia - 4 Polio Cases reported in 2013 compared to 0 in 2012, with the most recent case reported on August 30. Vaccination campaigns are planned for Sept. 26-28.
South Sudan - 3 Polio cases reported in 2013. Vaccination campaigns are being synchronized with Sudan and Sub-national Immunization Days are taking place in Uganda this week.
Total paralysis cases Year-to-date 2013 Y to D 2012 Total 2012 Total 2011
Globally 285 162 223 642
- in endemic countries: 94 157 217 335
- in non-endemic countries: 191 5 6 307
2013 Polio Case Breakdown by Country (Green Numbers are 2012 Totals)
Endemic Countries – 39 Pakistan (2012-58), 6 Afghanistan (2012-37), 49 Nigeria (2012-122)
Importation Countries (2012 & 2013) – 0 Chad (2012-5), 0 Niger (2012-1), 170 Somalia (2012-0), 14
Kenya (2012 - 0), 4 Ethiopia (2012-0), 3 South Sudan (2012-0)
Our Goal is Global Polio Eradication!
Terry Ziegler, [email protected], District 5890 Rotary Foundation Committee Chair, 2012-13
Wayne Staton, District 5890 PolioPlus Chair [email protected]
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Issue # 140
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Join the Conversation -
END POLIO NOW
Share your experiences and ideas with members around the world in our discussion groups on My Rotary. In advance of World Polio Day, add your
voice to the discussion on the End Polio Now group
In 1985, Rotary International promised every child a world
free from the threat of polio. Since then, the number of
countries that continue to be polio endemic has declined from
over 125 to just three countries.
It hasn't been easy. Rotary and its partners will have invested
over $1.2 billion in the effort. And that doesn't include the
money spent by individual Rotarians in travel and the value of
time spent to inoculate children in those nations.
But all that money and all the time will be wasted if we don't
complete the task of eradicating polio in the four remaining
nations -- Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nigeria now.
Since 2003, polio virus outbreaks have spread to 27
previously polio-free countries. Thankfully, most outbreaks
have been stopped. But the fact remains, so long as polio
virus exists any place in the world, it is a threat to every
nation in the world. In a global economy, polio is only a plane
ride away.
The eradication of polio remains urgent! As Bill Gates said, in
announcing the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation's
challenge grant, "[Rotary has] to keep all these immunizations
going as long as there's any of the disease spreading within a
region. We're pretty close to the end on polio. Time makes so
much difference."
What polio does:
It cripples. It maims. It kills.
Donate to End Polio Now. http://www.endpolio.org/
Polio was once a disease feared worldwide, striking suddenly
and paralysing mainly children for life. Rotary is a partner in
the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, the largest private-
public partnership for health, which has reduced polio by
99%.
Continued …
Our Foundation
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What polio
does:
It cripples. It
maims. It
kills.
Continued …
Polio now survives only among the world's poorest and most
marginalized communities, where it stalks the most vulnerable
children. The Initiative's goal is to reach every last child with
polio vaccine and ensure a polio-free world for future
generations.
1. Polio continues to paralyse children
While polio is a distant memory in most of the world, the
disease still exists in some places and mainly affects children
under five. One in 200 infections leads to irreversible paralysis
(usually in the legs). Among those paralysed, 5% to 10% die
when their breathing muscles become immobilized.
2. We are 99% of the way to eradicating polio globally
In 1988, when the Global Polio Eradication Initiative was
formed, polio paralysed more than 350 000 people a year.
Since that time, polio case numbers have decreased by more
than 99%.
3. There are just three countries which have never
stopped transmission of polio
The three countries are Afghanistan, Nigeria and Pakistan.
They face a range of challenges such as insecurity, weak
health systems and poor sanitation. Polio can spread from
these 'endemic' countries to infect children in other countries
with less-than-adequate vaccination.
4. Unlike most diseases, polio can be completely
eradicated
There are three strains of wild poliovirus, none of which can
survive for long periods outside of the human body. If the virus
cannot find an unvaccinated person to infect, it will die out.
Type 2 wild poliovirus was eradicated in 1999.
5. Cheap and effective vaccines are available to prevent
polio
There are two forms of vaccine available to ward off polio -
oral polio vaccine (OPV) and inactivated polio vaccine (IPV).
Because OPV is an oral vaccine, it can be administered by
anyone, even volunteers. One dose of OPV can cost as little
as 11 US cents.
Issue # 140
Page 13 A monthly feature of the Rotary Global History Fellowship
6. The global effort to eradicate polio is the largest public-
private partnership for public health
In fact, it is the largest-ever peacetime mobilization of people. It
involves four spearheading partner organizations (WHO, Rotary
International, the United States Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention and UNICEFF), polio-affected and donor
governments, private foundations, development banks,
humanitarian and non-governmental organizations, corporate
partners and more than 20 million volunteers.
7. Large-scale vaccination rounds help rapidly boost
immunity
The Global Polio Eradication Initiative assists countries in
carrying out surveillance for polio and large-scale vaccination
rounds. In just one round of the national immunization days in
India there are 640 000 vaccination booths, 2.3 million
vaccinators, 200 million doses of vaccine, 6.3 million ice packs,
191 million homes visited and 172 million children immunized.
8. Every child must be vaccinated to eradicate polio
This includes those living in the most remote and/or
underserved places on the planet. 'Days of Tranquility' are
negotiated so that vaccination teams can reach children living in
conflict zones. All manner of transport is used – from donkeys
to motorbikes to helicopters – to reach children in remote areas
or difficult terrain.
9. Polio-funded staff, strategies and resources are also
used to advance other health initiatives
Strategies to find and map every child can be applied to other
public health initiatives. While a vaccination team is in a remote
village, they can, for little additional cost, provide other health
interventions while they are there. For example, vitamin A has
been given alongside polio campaigns. Since vitamin A gives a
general boost to immunity, it allows children to fend off a range
of infections, this has averted more than 1.2 million deaths.
10. We can eradicate polio
More than 20 years ago, this little boy was the last child to be
paralysed by polio in the WHO Region of the Americas. The
WHO Western Pacific Region was declared polio free in 2000
and the WHO European Region in 2002. The world could be
freed of the threat of polio - with everyone's commitment, from
parent to government worker and political leader to the
international community.
Source : https://www.rotary.org/myrotary/en/node/65336
Our Foundation
Page 14 A monthly feature of the Rotary Global History Fellowship
Opening the door to polio
eradication
Continued …
It’s been more than two years since the last polio case was
reported in Côte d’lvoire. Time enough for people to become
complacent about immunizations. But that would be a mistake
– a potentially deadly mistake.
“The public sometimes doesn’t understand why, after so
many rounds of polio immunization, they are still being asked
to bring their children to the immunization post,” says Marie-
Irène Richmond-Ahoua, chair of Rotary’s National PolioPlus
Committee in Côte d’lvoire.
As a long-time advocate for polio eradication, Richmond-
Ahoua knows you can’t let up against this tenacious and
crippling disease. With Nigeria one of three remaining polio-
endemic countries, the possibility of fresh outbreaks in Côte
d’lvoire is a constant threat. The only way to keep the
poliovirus out of the country are regular immunizations of all
children under age five.
During National Immunization Days (NIDs) in April, thousands
of volunteers and health workers, together with Rotary and
Rotaract members, canvassed the streets throughout the
country in search of children to immunize. They traveled from
house to house knocking on doors in shantytowns and rural
villages. But gaining entrance to these homes required
another round of convincing.
“Côte d’lvoire has just experienced a conflict and people are
still cautious. They don’t want to open their door to just
anyone,” says Richmond-Ahoua. But once they see the polio
T-shirts and hats that Rotary clubs supply to identify
vaccinators, she says they feel safe opening their doors.
Communication is also key to mobilizing public support.
Rotary members use the media, television, radio, and even
griots, African tribal storytellers, to encourage participation in
immunizations. As a result, 7.5 million children received two
Volunteers show a woman in Azuretti a pamphlet on polio and de-worming, part of the public awareness campaign to boost participation.
Photo Credit: Alyce Henson/Rotary International
A child receives the oral polio vaccine in Azuretti. Photo Credit: Alyce Henson/Rotary International
Volunteers hand out de-worming tablets to children to expand public health benefits, another objective of the new polio endgame strategic
plan. Photo Credit: Alyce Henson/Rotary International
Issue # 140
Page 15 A monthly feature of the Rotary Global History Fellowship
drops of oral polio vaccine, along with vitamin A
supplements and de-worming tablets, during the NIDs.
Supplementary immunization campaigns like this one are
part of the comprehensive 2013-18 Polio Eradication and
Endgame Strategic Plan. The plan outlines what is needed
to eradicate all polio disease by 2018. In June the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation announced a new fundraising
agreement with Rotary. If successful, the campaign, which
matches donations two-to-one (up to $35 million per year),
will help raise $525 million for polio eradication.
“Polio eradication is not an option, it’s an obligation,”
Richmond-Ahoua says. “When you consider what’s been
done in Côte d’lvoire, despite the many obstacles we’ve
faced, you are deeply convinced that polio will soon be
eradicated.”
Source : Rotary News
An immunization team walks through the fishing village of Azuretti. Photo Credit: Alyce Henson/Rotary International
A volunteer grabs a child to immunize during National Immunization Days in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.
Photo Credit: Alyce Henson/Rotary International
A child's fingernail is marked in Abidjan to indicate he has received the vaccine.
Photo Credit: Alyce Henson/Rotary International
Volunteers immunize a child at a bus depot in Abidjan. Photo Credit: Alyce Henson/Rotary International
Our Foundation
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Indian Surgeon Helping Polio
Patients Take First Steps
At St. Stephen's Hospital in India, Dr. Mathew Varghese has devoted his entire career to restoring
mobility to those left crippled by the polio.
Click image to watch video
“My dream, this ward should be empty. No polio."
Source : Voice of America
Issue # 140
Page 17 A monthly feature of the Rotary Global History Fellowship
How polio changed my life
By Eliana Zagui, author of Pulmão de Aço (Iron Lung)
Before it was eradicated through the effort of massive immunization campaigns in 1989, poliomyelitis was prevalent in Brazil. The lack of vaccine and poor sanitation in small towns resulted in thousands of victims a year. Avoiding polio was often a matter of luck.
In January 1976, at the age of two, my luck ran out. I woke up with a fever and weak lower limbs. Although my parents were used to my recurrent episodes of sore throat, they brought me to the nearest city of Jaboticabal for medical treatment. The next day, lacking a diagnosis, I was sent to Ribeirão Preto, a larger city with better medical facilities. By the time the doctors came to the conclusion that I had contracted polio, the virus had already started its devastating muscular paralysis process.
We lived in Guariba near São Paulo, more than 180 miles from the major polio treatment center in Brazil. Getting to the ‘Hospital das Clínicas’ in São Paulo was a struggle. But after several hours, we received a ride from a charitable individual. By that time, I was already paralyzed from my neck down, and my breathing was restricted by the paralysis of my diaphragm.
I was placed in an iron lung a number of times in an attempt to reverse the respiratory failure, but eventually the doctors concluded the battle was lost. I was tracheotomized and connected to an artificial respirator. More than 36 years later, I still depend on the artificial respirator to breathe.
I have lived the rest of my life at the same ‘Hospital das Clínicas.’ Out of hundreds of children admitted to the hospital in the ‘60s and ‘70s, seven of us formed a family, and developed bonds with the doctors and nurses who looked after us. Five of our family died in the ‘80s, and now only Paulo Henrique Machado and I remain. We still share a room in the Intensive Care Unit.
It was in that room that Paulo and I learned how to read and write. While Paulo has limited hand movements, I can only move my neck and head. Everything I can do with some autonomy has to be done with my mouth. That includes my paintings, which are sold around the world through an association.
The story of how Paulo and I survived polio and how, for decades, we have lived almost completely paralyzed at Hospital das Clínicas is told in the book Pulmão de Aço (Iron Lung), published this year in Brazil by Belaletra Editora
Source : Rotary Voices
Pulmão de Aço (Iron Lung), published this year in Brazil, tells the story of Eliana Zagui, a polio survivor who has lived
for decades in a hospital in Brazil.
Our Foundation
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Pakistan Polio Campaign
The polio virus has been eradicated in most of the world, but Pakistan is one of the few countries
where it is still a problem. Programs to vaccinate children have been hampered by suspicions about the purpose of the vaccinations, religious concerns about the vaccines, violence from extremists, and
critics who say Pakistan has more pressing problems to deal with.
Watch this fascinating video from PBS about polio eradication efforts in Pakistan, which is one of three countries where the crippling disease is endemic. Rotarian Aziz Memon was interviewed in the video
as well as the health workers who vaccinate children.
Click image to watch video
Source : www.pbs.org
Issue # 140
Page 19 A monthly feature of the Rotary Global History Fellowship
By Polly Hincks, polio survivor and
member of the Rotary Club of West
Hartford, Connecticut, USA
My brush with polio
Polio is a mystery. In its time it brought terror. It indiscriminently struck with minor flu-like illness in one person, death to the person next door, paralysis of the muscles in a leg or shoulder, or a lifetime spent in an iron lung.
I met up with this evil bug in August 1951. I was pregnant and relaxing on the beach in front of my in-law’s cottage in Pine Orchard. My little son Bobby was digging holes in the sand with a new-found friend, while I passed time talking with the boy’s dad, a summer renter. The next day, his wife rushed over to use our phone to call an ambulance for her husband who was very sick.
I found out just how sick three days later as I heard him gasping for life in the room next to mine in the isolation ward at Grace New Haven Hospital. He had Bulbar polio from which one either dies or completely recovers. He was lucky. He recovered. My road to recovery took longer.
To everyone’s great relief, I gave birth to a healthy baby girl, Birch, and I was moved to the rehab ward for six months of intense physical therapy. There were many of us in the rehab ward with polio. My roommate was a nurse who had lost the use of her legs. In the next room lay an angry and terrified young woman with both arms gone. How was she going to face such a disability?
It was during our long daily therapy sessions that we saw the children, brave, chipper little kids who hated the pain but loved the attention and had no idea how their lives had changed.
Over the years, I progressed from crutches to leg brace and corset to walking unassisted. I had two more children and moved three times. Age eventually caught up with me, and I have now given my worn out body the partnership of a power wheelchair.
I only recently learned of Rotary’s longstanding commitment to eradicating polio. I joined the Rotary Club of West Hartford because I wanted to give my deep thanks to this marvelous organization, but also to try to help toward that goal. What I believe I have to give is my story. It was a horrible illness and we should all be honored when we finally reach the goal of eradication.
Source : Rotary Voices
I joined the Rotary
Club of West Hartford
because I wanted to
give my deep thanks to
this marvelous
organization, but also
to try to help toward
that goal.
Our Foundation
Page 20 A monthly feature of the Rotary Global History Fellowship
Miles to End Polio
In the vicinity of Rotary International offices worldwide United States
From 15 October to 15 November 2013, Rotary secretariat
staff will participate in a variety of health and fitness activities
to raise funds for PolioPlus, culminating on 23 November
when General Secretary John Hewko will reprise his 111-
mile ride with Arizona Rotarians and their guests for El Tour
de Tucson.
To support the 111-mile ride, the secretariat has set a
participation goal of 111 staff volunteers logging 111 miles
and raising an average of 111 USD each, for a total
fundraising goal of 12,321 USD. Each volunteer will select
their own activity and seek sponsors to support them in their
endeavors. If you are a Rotarian, Rotaractor or Rotary Staff,
you can also join the conversation in the My Rotary group
End Polio Now.
When Rotary began the fight to end polio in 1985 there were
over 350,000 cases annually and 125 countries were polio-
endemic. Since then, polio cases have been reduced by
99% and only three countries remain where transmission of
the wild poliovirus has never been stopped. We are “this
close” to eradicating this crippling disease and creating a
polio-free world. This would be only the second time in
history that a disease is wiped from the face of the earth.
The only thing that is keeping us from making history is
funding.
Please visit http://www.endpolio.org/ to make a contribution
and share this page with your friends and family. Your
contribution will be made to The Rotary Foundation, a 501(c)
3 organization. All contributions are tax deductible.
A donation of any size – big or small-- would be appreciated.
Be a part of history.
Source : http://ideas.rotary.org/Project/Profile/d72df09f-0076-46b2-85b2-4f210a912b93
Click here for more details.
Click on Donate, then PolioPlus. On the
Billing Information page, after you have
filled in your credit card information, you
will see Gift Options. Click on that and
then fill in a Tribute as follows:
John Hewko
Rotary International
1560 Sherman Ave.
Evanston, IL 60201
Checks should carry the notation:
MT0000005973 and can be
directed to:
Peggy Asseo
Rotary International
1560 Sherman Ave
Evanston, IL 60201
Page 21 A monthly feature of the Rotary Global History Fellowship
Issue # 140 Live interview with Archie
Panjabi
#Polio is highly contagious disease without a cure. If we don't end polio, 10 million children in the next 40 years could get the disease, said Emmy-award winning actress Archie Panjabi, who stars in The Good Wife.
She was interviewed by for Forbes by social entrepreneur and Rotarian Devin Thorpe
Click image to watch video
OUR FOUNDATION
NOVEMBER 2013, #140
Jeetendra Sharma
Editor in Chief
William “Bill” Pollard
Associate Editor
Edward “Eddie” Blender
Publisher
A monthly feature of the Rotary Global History Fellowship (RGHF).