2024 World Polio Day & Related Events

The Rotary Club of Thomasville celebrated World Polio Day--October 24, 2024--with a dynamic and informative program on polio at that day's meeting. Foundation Chair Carol Jones, medical health professional retired, discussed the history of polio, the nature of the virus, the current geography of the virus, then talked about President Franklin Roosevelt and the impact he had on Georgia through his treatment at Warm Springs. The Polio Plus program was explained and examples shown of how donations multiply through matches from Gates Foundation and the district.  Jones introduced Zim Johnson, a current resident of Thomasville, who spoke about his early childhood diagnosis of polio.  Mr. Johnson discussed his treatments in Atlanta and Warm Springs, how he overcame difficulties to have a successful and rewarding career as a forestry consultant and business owner. Mr. Johnson also shared that after many decades, he is now suffering from post-polio syndrome. Following the program, members were encouraged to consider donations to Polio Plus and the club's giving has increased over previous years' average.

 In January club members Walter and Andre' Marria traveled to India and at the club's meeting that week members watched with great interest as photos and video were shown of the Marrias administering polio vaccines to children in India.