We had a wonderful guest speaker at our meeting in December! Rotarian Joan Toone of British Columbia. Joan is a recognized and in-demand speaker, bringing her inspirational message about Rotary's work toward polio eradication to audiences around the world.
Joan was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and contracted polio during the 1951 epidemic. Thirty years after acute polio, Joan began to experience cold intolerance, muscle weakness and extreme fatigue. She was diagnosed with Post Polio Syndrome which is an after-effect of polio. She then began the long journey of surgeries and rehabilitation. When Rotary designated eradicating polio as its number 1 priority, she became an avid supporter, speaking to Rotarians from around the world about polio and Post Polio Syndrome. Joan’s husband, Terry, also works as a dedicated advocate for polio eradication, is currently Rotary District 5020’s chair for Polio Plus. They feel optimistic and privileged they will see the end of polio in this world in the very near future. Joan says that it is an outstanding feeling to know they have been a small part of that effort.
Joan deeply admires Rotary’s commitment to the children of the world, and emphasizes the necessity of vaccines when speaking with younger people who often get conflicting information about immunizations, using herself as a first-hand example of what they can prevent.
She is Past President of the Rotary Anns, the Post Polio Society of British Columbia and of the Rotary Club of Victoria. She is a Multiple Paul Harris Fellow and a Rotary Foundation Benefactor. Joan has received a President’s Commendation and a District 5020 Award of Excellence. She has twice been the recipient of The Rotary Foundation District Service Award, and has also been presented with the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award and the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers. Joan is a recognized and sought after speaker on polio and the progress towards eradication.
Information and booklets on Post-Polio Syndrome may be reached via email at joantoone@shaw.ca
