As we work to create light for others,

we naturally light our own way.

5 minute speaker: Kevin Stratton

By way of an introduction to the guest speaker's presentation, Kevin talked about the End Polio vaccination trip he and Shirley took part in. They went to Firozabad, India in 2009. In the 1980's, there were 1,000 new cases a day. The Rotary International End Polio scheme was established in1985. By 2023, there were only 2 countries where polio cases still occurred: Afghanistan and Pakistan. Cases have reduced by over 99% as a result of dedicated vaccination. The trip Shirley and Kevin took part in was incredible. Kevin showed photos of their participation in vaccinating small children.

Our Club is a strong supporter of the local End Polio effort, with Chris T and now Lyn Connor leading our efforts.

Dugald read out a contribution by Marilyn about the Foundation's work. The Foundation we all contribute to invests around the world in 7 areas of focus (pillars):

• Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention

Marilyn wrote about a wide range of projects around the world: disaster relief supplies, installing sanitation facilities and clean water, teaching fish farming, expandable footwear, prosthetic clinics, and ambulances into war-torn Ukraine. The work of the Foundation is life-changing for thousands of people all over the world.  Together, we can achieve remarkable things. 

Guest speaker: Chrissy Lyon - Personal Story of Polio

Dugald had the privilege of introducing Chrissy. Chrissy has 2 Masters degrees in Education and Business Studies. She worked in Organisational Learning and Development for many years, in both the public and private sectors. 

Chrissy shared a very personal and moving story of how she contracted polio as a baby, and was supported through a long and difficult rehabilitation journey by her extraordinary mother. Chrissy began with heartfelt appreciation for the efforts of Rotary in eliminating polio, a terrible illness that affected so many children, with some dying and many others left with lifelong disabilities.

Polio has been discovered in archaeological records as far back as ancient Egyptian times, but was not a serious, widespread illness until the industrial age. Epidemics of polio started in the 19th century, ironically (given the falling rates of diseases like cholera and typhoid) due to a combination of improved sanitation and rapid urbanisation. Babies were not exposed to the virus so young, before and after birth (via the placenta and breastmilk) and so did not develop early immunity. Polio rampaged across the world, terrifying parents and resulting in lockdowns.

The virus causing polio was identified in 1909 and then from 1955, 3 vaccines were developed. The oral vaccine is the most commonly administered around the world, and a new more stable variety has been developed in the last decade.

The global effort led by Rotary required international co-operation on a huge scale, getting into countries that were inaccessible for a variety of reasons, including conflict, prejudice and challenging physical terrain.

Chrissy's experience was riveting. New Zealand had been closing swimming pools, theatres and schools in the late 1940's. Chrissy contracted the illness in 1955 as a baby, possibly on a train or tram. She was in Wellington Hospital for months and her mum visited from Tawa every day.

The disease is incurable, and there was little real treatment available: the conventional methods were to immobilise the body, subject the patient to traction, and make them wear heavy braces. When those afflicted with polio suffered extreme muscle weakness in their chests, they could suffocate: the large, heavy and expensive iron lung was born, followed by the invention of a cheap and cheerful Aussie version, constructed of plywood.

It must have felt like torture. 

Chrissy's very determined mum took her out of hospital and moved her to Whanganui, to the Duncan Hospital. The Duncan Trust had gifted a hospital building and a farm to support it.

This was a courageous move, but it proved to be the right one. The staff, who followed the Kenny method (named after the nurse, Sister Elizabeth Kenny) were dedicated and kind. The treatment were hydrotherapy, massage and intensive physiotherapy. Over several years, Chrissy was able to regain movement and flexibility in her affected right leg. Her mum insisted Chrissy could do sports, and she did a huge number of activities, including biking, swimming and gymnastics.

Chrissy said she was bullied at school, but her mum's belief in her (and a few well-aimed kicks with a leg brace!) put paid to that and it did not hold her back. Despite missing a lot of school, Chrissy went to university and earned her advanced qualifications, built a career, married the lovely Jack, and they have 2 daughters and 5 grandchildren.

Hearing Chrissy's authentic voice was such an honour: she made polio very real for us. The work of Rotary has literally changed the world and we need to continue doing it.

Chris Eales has forwarded the following: 

On 7 November, Amanda Wendt (Member of Melbourne Rotary and Zone 8 End Polio  Coordinator) is hosting Inside the Fight: a conversation with Mike McGovern from Rotary International about where polio eradication stands, what's changing on the ground, and what it will take to reach the finish line.

Expect insight, perspective and a candid look at one of Rotary's most important commitments. It is open to all Rotarians and friends of Rotary, and it is online via Zoom:

https://progress-to-zero.mandi-wendt.workers.dev/?p=register