Persevering against polio

At 3:29PM on 15 November 2007, Gautam Lewis wrote: I am going to be traveling to Delhi, India next wed 21st Nov to spend a week learning about the work of Rotary in India to eradicate the Polio virus. After learning about the commitment of Rotary International I became inspired to help Rotary's campaign to eradicate the disease in India and worldwide. I am Still dependent on crutches from my own battle with polio, I hope to inspire those who have been working in the trenches for years by highlighting with dignity some of the achievements that are possible in the face of adversity. It is vital that everyone remain committed to ending this disease. I hope to show, through my example, that anything is possible – the sky is the limit. I was Born in Kolkata in 1977, abandoned by my mother at the age of eighteen months old after I contracted polio. i was taken to Mother Theresa’s Missionaries of Charity where I stayed for three years before having another two years of operations at the Rehabilitation Centre for Children (RCFC). I was adopted and moved to live in New Zealand and finally settling in the United Kingdom and living in London. i have a deep understanding of how important voluntary organizations are in the world today. I am only too aware of the turn my life took when I was rescued. The tragedy is that with the right care and support children shouldn't need that one in a million chance to shine and achieve. Gautam has had great opportunities in his life. He believes that his calling is to help others less fortunate and celebrate in the spirit that the Sky’s the limit. i shall be writing a blog about my week in India with Rotary - it can be viewed here www.mrshoe.biz and www.thepowerofdreams.co.uk

At 10:44AM on 29 October 2007, Gary Smith wrote: Am a rotarian and in the health care field and would like to take an invovement in a polio eradication program I am from Australia

At 10:43AM on 29 October 2007, Rtn.Vinoba Indran wrote: The Polio eradication is an exxcellant humanitarian programme of Rotary International.

At 10:48AM on 29 October 2007, Dee Boswell and Sue Boswell wrote: In 1946, I was 10 yrs old and lived in Centralia, Illinois, where we had a polio epidemic which killed 10 people and left some of my friends with major disabilities. I have been vitally interested in Rotary's PolioPlus, have been involved with fund-raising from its inception and then Sue and I have had the greatest of fortune to have been able to participate in several NIDs. It truly is an extraordinary experience to hold a child and drop 2 drops of OPV into the child's mouth. Thanks, Rotary!

At 11:40AM on 22 October 2007, B.T.Salian wrote: I am new Rotary Member with Rotary club of Mangalore -North, RI district 3180.I am really very impressed by the gigantic task rotary has inintiated towards eradicating Polio. At a later date i would like to a volunteer for this service.I salute all the volunteers who have opted to go to Ethiopia and I wish them goodluck and God bless all .

At 11:29AM on 22 October 2007, S.Krishnaswami wrote: It is a great Challange to Rotary. I started the polio programme in 1986 at Dist 3200 , When I was the GSE team Leader to Denmark I have informed about the non availability of Polio Vaccine in India at that time. District 1470 arranged and sent 2 miillion doses of Polio and million doses of measels vaccine. With the help of Japanese Rotarians of Disdtrict 258 & 275 I received in 1986-87 2 million doses to Polio and 60000doses of measels vaccine to District 3200. Kerala and Tamil Nad the two states were the first to get Polio Vaccines through contacts with Rotary friends. I am proud to have started and actively involved in my district.

At 11:53AM on 22 October 2007, rayaprolu venkateswararao wrote: I LOVE TO WORK FOR THE POLIO

At 11:53AM on 22 October 2007, RAYAPROLU VENKATEWARAO wrote: RTN R.V.RAO THERE FOR THE CAUSE TO WORK

At 11:53AM on 22 October 2007, RAYAPROLU VENKATEWARAO wrote: RTN R.V.RAO THERE FOR THE CAUSE TO WORK

At 4:18PM on 19 October 2007, Richard A. Lacquement wrote: When I was in grade school, our town had a major polio epedemic that greatly impressed me. My Dad was a minister and told of us the clinic with kids in iron lungs lined up in many rooms. Rotary is doing a fantastic job on this eradication and it seems we are closing in on a successful conclusion.

At 5:38AM on 18 October 2007, Anil Kumar Gupta wrote: A lot of work is being done in India to eradicate Polio but there is some resistence in some areas as certain communities oppose this programme in the name of religion.If their religious misconceptions are removed I am sure India can achieve cent [ercent success in this programme.

At 4:46AM on 18 October 2007, Rtn Sandesh Savant wrote: Our club (RC Pune Ganeshkhind) has been active in all NIDs since they started, with mobile vans and NID centres. But we are seeing a drop in participation. We have to keep on going till polio is eradicated once and for all.

At 8:36PM on 17 October 2007, Ann Lee Hussey wrote: I am a polio survivor and I am a polio fighter, not only in my personal life but in playing what small role I can in the eradication program. I will be traveling on my 11th NID, polio immunization campaign, in December 2007. I have dedicated my Rotary career to becoming the strongest advocate I can be in spreading the word about the greatest humanitarian global effort ever and it was initiated by Rotary International. My sincere gratitude to those Rotary leaders who many years ago had the vision of a world free of polio where no child would suffer from the world's fiercest crippler. My sincere thanks for Rotary's commitment to finishing the job and to the World Health Organization, Center for Disease Control, UNICEF and all the governments, organizations and individuals who continue to work tirelessly to make polio a disease of the past. Our gift to the children of the world. Ann Lee Hussey

At 2:12PM on 17 October 2007, Cikera Spurgeon wrote: iM NOT GOOD @ iT BUT i WOULD SURE LiKE TO HELP & BE A VOLUNTEER=)

At 9:22AM on 17 October 2007, K.C.George wrote: I am a volunteer to help on NIDs and I enjoy to serve to eradicate Polio

At 6:14AM on 17 October 2007, AJAY AGARWALLA wrote: Although I am not a proffessional, however if I could take participation in any proggramme, I am intersted in the same. Regards

At 11:08AM on 16 October 2007, JOHNSON ADEKUNLE BADEJOKO wrote: as a rotarian and as an international rotary volunteer, i wish to signify my intention to perticipate inany program or initiatives that can contribute to making our world polio free.