Polio Research Progress
Laurie Harrison (left) with her colleague Dr. Stephanie Troy.
The Program on February 2
Laurie Harrison introduced Dr. Stephanie Troy, an Eastern Virginia Medical School physician scientist who is involved in polio vaccine research.
Dr. Troy began her talk with reference to a book “Polio: An American Story,” which documents the polio epidemic in the United States during the 1940s and 50s and the race to find a cure. The poliovirus is highly contagious. Most people who get infected will have mild symptoms that resolve. However, polio can be very serious, causing irreversible paralysis and death.
Turnaround in the epidemic occurred 50 years ago after two vaccines were developed: the Salk inactive poliovirus, and the Sabin oral poliovirus. Prior to polio vaccination, there were 600,000 cases with paralysis worldwide. By 1988, the number dropped to 359. As of today there are only 72 cases worldwide, and these are found in two countries: Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Although case numbers are down, the goal is to ERADICATE the disease globally, and this requires widespread vaccination. Rotary International and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation are major donors to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative which involves the World Health Organization.
One goal of this initiative is to move away from use of the Sabin oral vaccine because it uses live virus which can spread transmission through sewer water. Currently, one billion dollars is spent every year on efforts to wipe out his disease. Switching to the Salk inactive vaccine would add costs, because the Salk intramuscular vaccination is 50 times more expensive per dose than the oral vaccination.
Dr. Troy is conducting research to learn if injections into the skin with lowered dose of inactivated polio vaccine are effective. This method would cost less for developing countries and could replace oral vaccine.
The Meeting
President Sally Hartman opened the meeting, and songster Sigur Whitaker led us in “Sing out a song of Rotary” and “Grand Ole Flag”. Dona Overstreet gave the invocation.
Visitation/Introduction of Guests
Dr. Ed Lilly reported on two fellow Rotarians who are doing well after minor medical procedures.
Dr. Steve Jones introduced his guest, Richard Gillcrese of the Barrett Transitional Home, who also joined us last week. Welcome back!
Ann Sullivan introduced her guest, Susan Mann, who has moved to our area.
Birthdays
As is our custom at the first meeting of each month, everyone with a February birthday was named, and we all sang “Happy Birthday”.
Announcements
President Sally issued pins to Club Members who have reached a milestone in donating to Rotary, earning the designation as a Paul Harris Fellow ($1k). The number after PHF identifies the additional thousand dollars they donated: Jim Kitz, Chick Robinson, and Ben Miles PHF. Additionally Bernie Cohen is a PHF +2; Wayne Shank +3; and Bill Goff +4.
Our Club was awarded the “Golden Spoon Award” for efforts in a recent community event involving other Rotary Clubs and the Food Bank. The food we collected equated to 3013 meals!
Archivists from the Norfolk Slover Library are delighted we are our donating historic photographs and documents, which until now have been kept in the Club office on Bute Street.
Shout out to those who participated in a Rotaract event at ODU that identified 18 students interested in Rotary.
Barbara Lipskis reminded us of a very important responsibility: Each of us needs to complete our MEMBER PROFILE SURVEY and return it to her. Only half of us are compliant, and she is determined to ensure each of us has a profile on file. NOTE: these are for internal club use only.
Ray Pentecost, who recently moved to Texas, wrote us an open letter biding his farewell. President Sally will post it for us to read.
Our May 13 fundraiser “Suds & Buds” is shaping up nicely with many vendors and food trucks. Lisa Chandler encouraged us to consider sponsorship. A decision has been made to add a new level of sponsorship at $250.
Happy Bucks and Fines
It was a banner day for collecting money that we use to support grants and charities. These are the folks who gave and their reasons:
- George Compo – his big trip to the west coast was written up in Norfolk Yacht & County Club newsletter.
- Stephen Long - invites us to attend Feb 11 Jazz Band concert and April 28 Gala with Coach Beamer, both supporting Salvation Army.
- Barbara Lipskis – appointment to a NYCC board published in its newsletter.
- Ed Lilly – his granddaughter wrote an article published in a Ghent magazine.
- Lynne Berg – announces Primeplus Senior Center participated in compiling a new Resource Guide for Seniors (see City of Norfolk website).
- Edna Baehre-Kolovani - announces new program at TCC for Navy Seals Special Ops Transition Training.
- Sharon Laderberg – invites us to “Hoops for the Cure” ODU women’s basketball game this Saturday to benefit the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
- Win Lewis – home after a trip to London to study renewal of ministry.
- Joanne Batten – happy in her new phase of retirement.
- Bruce Wilcox – two of his sons soon to be married.
- Kay Kemper –celebration of her milestone birthday.
- Roger Flagg – celebrating his wedding anniversary