Event to mark World Polio Day

Thu, Oct 22nd 2020 at 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Reproduced with thanks to the Rotary EClub of One World who have shared their online meeting. Joan's talk relates her personal experience of contracting polio and the after effects.

Joan was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada and contracted polio during the 1951 epidemics. Her family moved to Victoria British Columbia where she married Terry in 1964. They have a son, a daughter and four grandchildren. Thirty years after acute polio, Joan began to experience cold intolerance, muscle weakness and extreme fatigue. She was diagnosed with Post-Polio Syndrome which is an after-effect of polio. She then began the long journey of surgeries and rehabilitation.

When Rotary International began their number one priority of eradicating polio, she became an avid supporter, speaking to Rotarians about polio and Post-Polio Syndrome. Joan emphasizes the necessity of vaccines when speaking with younger people who often get conflicting information and presents herself as a first-hand example of what immunizations can prevent.

Joan deeply admires Rotary’s commitment to the children of our world. Joan and Terry have worked for polio eradication for many years and feel privileged they will see the end of polio in this world very soon. Joan says that to have been a small part of that is simply outstanding.

Joan is the President of the Post-Polio Society of British Columbia and the current President of the Rotary Club of Victoria, BC. She is a Multiple Paul Harris Fellow and a Rotary Foundation Benefactor. Joan has received a President’s Commendation and a District 5020 Award of Excellence. She has received the Rotary Foundation District Service Award - twice. Joan has also been presented with the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award and the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers. Joan and Terry were invited by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to participate in the World Polio Day 2017 Livestream Event in Seattle on 24 October.

This is the best End Polio Now story ever!

We are very grateful to the Rotary Club of One World for sharing this video.

For those unable to attend but who would like to view the video it can be seen here: - https://youtu.be/vs7hG3FHdh8