World Polio Day

The Rotary Club of Thomasville sponsored a Polio Day event for the City of Thomasville and the students of Bishop Hall Charter School. Rotary Club President Andre Marria presented a compelling story of why polio is still a critical issue. She introduced Dr. Lorraine M. Williams, otolaryngology specialist in Thomasville who gave a visual story of how the polio virus affects people. it was a very moving presentation and a couple of facts stood out, that in the US the last contracted case was in 1979 and a gentleman was introduced as one of the longest living person with the disease who was able to graduate college and get a degree in law.

Nancy Tillinghast is an original Polio Pioneer who was one of 1.8 million children volunteered by their parents to receive the vaccine. She spoke of the effects on herself and her classmates.

Fran Milberg spoke on how the Gates Foundation has worked closely with Rotary to help eradicate this disease. At this point there are only three countries were new cases of polio have been reported.

To close World Polio Day, Thomasville Commissioner Jay Flowers presented Andre’ Marria a proclamation in honor of Thomasville Rotary Club’s commitment to the global eradication of polio.He stated that The Rotary Club of Thomasville, founded in May 1921, with its past, and present 141 members, has helped bring about the 99.9% drop in cases of polio since 1982.Mayor of Thomasville, Georgia,Greg Hobbs proclaimed October 24, 2018 as World Polio Day in Thomasville.