Working Close to Home to End Polio

One of the causes most important to Rotary International is the eradication of polio.  Just over two weeks ago, Rotarians around the world observed World Polio day and joined together to raise money and awareness for polio eradication.  While Rotarians everywhere came together to fight polio, the issue hits close to home for members of the Rotary Club of the Eugene Airport.

Ed McDunn, a member of the Eugene Airport club and the District 5110 Polio Eradication Committee, survived polio after suddenly contracting the disease at age five.

At the District 5110 TRF meeting in Cottage Grove, Ed shared the moving, emotional story of his experience with polio.  Part of what made Ed’s story so compelling was his use of the District’s very own iron lung.

The iron lung, formerly used to help polio patients breathe, was donated to the District by the Good Samaritan Hospital of Eugene in 2002.  After several years of being transported between Northern California and District 5110 clubs, the lung was permanently returned to District 5110 and underwent a major refurbishing.  The picture above is the district’s iron lung after its makeover.

Now, the iron lung is being used by people like Ed McDunn to educate Rotarians and others in their communities about Rotary International’s efforts to eradicate polio worldwide.

To learn more about District 5110’s efforts to end polio and download the first edition of the Rotary District 5110 Polio Newsletter, visit the district’s Polio Eradication Committee website.