Pennsylvania Polio Survivors

Information and Inspiration for Polio Survivors
and Their Families –

From the Keystone State and Beyond

September 12, 2017
Mr. Richard Gromis, District Governor Rotary District 7430
rotary4ric@gmail.com 
Re: Rotarians at Work Supporting Polio Survivors Rick –
In July, we put out the “call” (attached) seeking Rotarians who would be interested in assisting the disabled Polio Survivors who attended our Conference “Post-Polio Care: Past, Present and Future” on August 26th. Rotarians from Doylestown (and 3 other Districts in Pennsylvania) were without question in “service” that day.
Their extraordinary ??can do?? attitude, made a huge difference in all three Conference locations. They were at the entrance assisting survivors with wheel chairs, electric scooters, leg braces and crutches. They attended to the “simple” needs of doors that are much to heavy and water bottles too difficult for weakened muscles to open. They responded with patience and grace every time a hand went up seeking assistance. They served lunch at the buffet to those who waited patiently, knowing they had been standing far longer than they should. They navigated what was a true “scooter jam” with grace. Without question, our optimistic approach of engaging Polio survivors “live” in three handicapped locations throughout the State of Pennsylvania would not have been possible without their generous assistance.
The Rotarians who attended, learned a term they didn’t understand – Post-Polio Syndrome (PPS). They were able to listen to two of the most informed professionals in the Post-Polio world. Both of these gentleman have the true Rotary spirit – generously sharing their knowledge while exhibiting having the true “heart of a teacher”. Perhaps of greatest importance, they engaged in conversation with and learned first hand about the “truth” to this debilitating disease; a disease Rotarians have worked so hard to eradicate since 1985.
The relationship between Polio Survivors and Rotarians is something very real - and truly special. In the true Rotary spirit, they gave above and beyond anything we expected.
I was truly proud to be a Rotarian that day. I am speaking for our entire Pa. Polio Network Team, when I say – Thank you District 7430 Rotarians for putting “Service Above Self”.

Yours in service,
Carol Ferguson,
Founder, Pa. Polio Network

Attachment (s) Cc: Allen Childs Jim Smith		Contact us: papolionetwork@gmail.com (or) 215-858-4643 www.papolionetwork.org 
We are a Registered 501C3 organization	

Pennsylvania Polio Survivors

Information and Inspiration for Polio Survivors
and Their Families –

From the Keystone State and Beyond

July, 2017
Rotarians have unselfishly participated in the “End Polio Now” initiative since 1985. As we do presentations around the Keystone State, we have learned that most Rotarians see "vaccinating every child" as the end. Sadly, very few have actually met survivors and been able to realize first-hand the effects of this devastating disease.
On August 26th, our Network will be sponsoring a conference titled: “Post-Polio Care: Past, Present and
Future”. It will be held (via wide screen video conferencing) in three, handicapped accessible locations in our State. We are hoping that Rotarians from these three locations (Cranberry, Hanover and Doylestown) will be able to be with us.
•	By volunteering to assist struggling seniors that day (helping with wheelchairs, opening bathroom doors, getting water/coffee etc) the long term effects will become something "real".
•	By being able to listen to Dr. DeMayo and Dr. Wilson speak, Rotarians will learn just how complex Post-Polio Syndrome (PPS) care can be.
•	By being able to listen to Dr. DeMayo and Dr. Wilson speak, Rotarians will learn just how truly debilitating Polio really is.
•	There are 15+ million survivors in the world. By experiencing the day, Rotarians will learn that once Rotary International and the Gates Foundation are successful vaccinating every child; because of PPS it will still take a full generation for the long term pain and disability that is caused by the Polio virus to be gone forever.
We are optimistic that the reality of understanding and actually being able to "feel" the truth will bring new energy to the words "End Polio Now“. As our Rotary Clubs continue supporting “Polio Plus”, this renewed energy could bring new meaning to support Bill Gates words in Atlanta on June 12.
“The most important advocates for Polio Eradication is Rotary. No one can do a better job of
reminding leaders that this work is important . . . and not yet finished”.
Without question, the one thing we all share is the prayer that with worldwide vaccination; death and disability from the Polio Virus will soon be gone . . . Forever.

We are grateful to all Rotarians for their dedication and commitment to End Polio Now.
Carol Ferguson
Founder, Pa. Polio Survivor’s Network and
Rotarian Doylestown, Pa. (District 7430)
Cc: Tom Grant Joe Randig Jim Smith Deb Stambaugh		Contact us: papolionetwork@gmail.com (or) 215-858-4643 www.papolionetwork.org 
We are a Registered 501C3 organization