Today is World Polio Day, a day to bring awareness to how close we are to finally eradicating the world of this dreaded disease. Thanks to vaccines, there are only three countries left with Polio outbreaks, Nigeria, Afghanistan & Pakistan. As long as Polio still exists, it is a threat to kids everywhere.
Shot @Life is an organization that I just recently learned about. They were at the blogger’s conference that I attended (Blogalicious ’12). Shot @Life believes every child deserves a shot at a healthy life, no matter what country they live in. They are asking for the public’s help to vaccinate 40,000 children by donating $50 to vaccinate 50 kids each!
Polio is something I know a little about. My uncle contracted Polio when he was a baby. He grew up in the 50’s, here in the U.S. Polio has affected his life tremendously. Growing up, I never really knew what was wrong with him. One of his legs was considerably shorter, and less developed than the other, he walks with a very noticeable limp. He was not able to participate in sports growing up, and was often ridiculed because of his disability. He has endured hospitalizations & surgeries. If only he would have had access to the polio vaccine- he would not have contracted polio. (My uncle contracted Polio before the vaccine was discovered.)
When I was old enough to understand, my parents told me my uncle had Polio. My uncle has lived with terrible pain his whole life. His affected leg is very weak. I knew from a very young age the importance of vaccines. Please make sure your children are vaccinated- and spread the word about Shot @Life, they are working hard to make the world safer for everyone!
