Post-Polio Syndrome

Polio or Poliomyelitis, is an infectious viral disease that can strike at any age, causing a spectrum of neuromuscular deficits.  Between the 1940’s and early 1950’s polio crippled over 35,000 people annually in the United States alone, making it one of the most feared diseases of the 20^th century.  Polio has been eradicated from the U.S. population since the introduction of the polio vaccine in 1955.  As of February 2012, Afghanistan, Nigeria and Pakistan have yet to achieve polio eradication.  Post-Polio Syndrome appears to be related to Polio.  The Polio virus has attacked and in some cases destroyed parts of the brain stem and spinal cord of these victims.  Polio survivors have regained lost strength but however years of high use have added stress to the deterioration of the regenerated nerve endings leading to loss of muscle strength.  Bob Williams was diagnosed with polio when he was only 29 years old, but he didn’t let that stop him from living a normal life.  He raised a family and pursed a career.  Years later he was diagnosed with Post-Polio syndrome also known as PPS.  PPS is known as Polio’s second act.  It is a condition that can affect anyone who has had polio and suffered paralysis.  Bob diagnosed himself of this disease after reading an article in The Rotarian in September of 2010.  Bob’s wife Mary is a Rotarian with the Rotary Club of Stevens Point.  They have reached out to the Rotary Club of Stevens Point to spread the word on Post-Polio Syndrome.  The club has produced brochures and a video and is now working with the medical community to publicize the symptoms of PPS and treatment resources. The club has developed an approach but needs help from other Rotarians to spread the word on PPS.  They have reached out to Rotary International because there are 34,000 clubs throughout the World and they feel are the most equipped to take on this mission.  Bob wanted to reach out to our club in Appleton because in 1953-1954 Appleton was known as “Ground Zero”.  Appleton had the most cases of polio in the state.  There was a fear of panic throughout the city and everything was closed up for days.  He explained that 1 out of 2 people that had polio have a chance of getting Post-Polio Syndrome.  There are approximately 20,000 people in Wisconsin that have had polio so that means approximately 10,000 people will develop PPS.  This disease needs to be addressed and people need to be made aware of this crippling disease.