Peter Tonge introduced our guest speaker Wesley Hazlitt. Wes is the current President of the Post-Polio Network of Manitoba and a representative in World Polio Support Groups across Canada, the United States and Australia. Wesley contracted paralytic polio in 1953 in Winnipeg at the age of 13 months, 2 years before the Salk vaccine was licensed. Growing up, Wes learned to walk with one leg brace and without crutches. Post-Polio Syndrome started to impact him in 1987. Wes currently requires a power wheelchair and multiple other aids to access his home and manage daily functions. Wes with his wife, Gail raised two sons and now have two grandchildren.
Polio is a disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system. About 90-95% are asymptomatic or have minor symptoms. Paralytic polio affects about 1%. There are 2 types, spinal polio which affects the nerves in the spinal column and Bulbar polio which affects the nerves in the brainstem. Post-Polio Syndrome symptoms include muscle and joint weakness and pain, extreme fatigue, muscle atrophy, severe intolerance to the cold, trouble swallowing, sleep related or other breathing problems and a decline in the ability to walk or perform customary daily activities. Wes highlighted his experience and how hospitals were overwhelmed in Winnipeg in 1952 and 53. He remained at home initially, but eventually hospitalized for 6 weeks. He started to walk again with 2 leg braces and eventually went to 1 leg brace and crutches to walk to school. Through hard work, he competed in challenging tasks and sports. Post-polio hit Wes in his late 20s with a diagnosis in 1988 predicting his life to come. He experienced crushing fatigue, increased weakness, and blocking quick memory. He quit work early.
Wes is concerned about recent events in the UK and in New York State and the prospects of another polio epidemic. Polio is still endemic in Pakistan and Afghanistan with new cases in other developing countries.
Polio is easily preventable with a course of a proven vaccine and booster. There is no rationale for those who refuse to vaccinate. Thank you to Rotary for its help since 1988 and the eradication in countries around the world largely through the use of the oral vaccine.
Iain Scott, who was on Zoom, thoroughly enjoyed the presentation. He remembers getting his vaccine and children with braces. The presentation covered the topic so well, including the medical explanation. It-s important that we all help with the advocacy and education. Mandy Kwasnica thanked Wes for an excellent presentation based on his life story. A donation to Shelterbox was made in honour of his visit to the club.
President Glenn spoke about the new satellite club and the issuing of new member certificates. The plan is to mail certificates to the 8 members and to then hold a new member ceremony. Given that Wes is with us tonight, the club is able to present for the first time a certificate of membership to the Satellite Club of the Rotary Club of Winnipeg-Charleswood. Those attending recognized Wes with a round of applause.