This week Rotary is dedicated to fighting polio. In the early 20th century, polio was one of the most feared diseases in industrialized countries, paralyzing hundreds of thousands of children every year. Soon after the introduction of effective vaccines in the 1950s and 1960’s polio was brought under control and practically eliminated as a public health problem in most countries. Irradiation means zero cases, and although close, the desease has not been brought to zero cases. The Gates Foundation and Rotary International continue to persue total irradiation.
In 1955 at the age of 2 1⁄2, Dave Talbot was diagnosed with polio, ironically just two weeks after Jonas Salk announced a preventive vaccine for the disease. He grew up in Arvada, graduating from Arvada High School, never letting his handicap alter his view of life as an adventure. 2005 he and Candice formed Crutches 4 Africa.
In keeping with our desire to provide experts on important subjects, we have our own Dave Talbot to talk about polio.
The celebration of life event for Bill Skewes was a packed house at Hiwan. There was a good contingent of Mountain Foothills Rotarians present. Thanks to those wo honored our founding president.
See you Wednesday.