President David said we are very fortunate to have with us this evening Donna Carreiro, an internationally award-winning producer and journalist who has worked for more than 30 years with CBC Manitoba. Prior to that, she was a print journalist for a daily newspaper and local magazines. She is drawn to stories of social justice (or injustice) that give a voice to those who most need one. President David was very pleased to introduce Donna to talk about her family's polio story.
Donna told the story of her father, who contracted polio as an infant. It was 1931, and polio was spreading throughout the U.S. and Canada. It preyed on the young and it was a "constant companion" for her father. He had to work hard to overcome his disabilities.
A big part of her father's story is suffering from Post Polio Syndrome. Family doctors and others were not well equipped to diagnose and treat post polio patients.
Donna's father led a difficult life, with multiple setbacks, surgeries and deadends. He died in 2017. Thankfully, he had the amazing support of family, especially his wife. Donna's mom is now 90 years old, living in rural Nova Scotia.
Donna answered several questions. Members thanked her for the powerful story of perseverance and inspiration. Members were reminded about the critical role of the polio vaccine and the important role of Rotary and others to eradicate this cruel disease.