I contracted polio at the age of 18 months in September 1949 and spent the next 3 years in hospital. Polio paralyzed me in both legs, and in my lower torso from just below the diaphragm as well as losing most of the function in the right arm. Now I have been hit by Post-Polio Syndrome, a further incurable condition that affects up to 60% of polio Survivors anything up to 40 years after the initial infection.Let's all kick the polio virus off the planet! Meet other survivors, learn their stories, and learn why it is so important to complete this job NOW!
Here is my story...
I went straight from hospital to Hong Kong where my father was serving in the British army. This was just the start of a peripatetic life both as a child and adult. I was fortunate that the secondary level school I attended had a Headmaster, himself a polio survivor. This gave me a role model and a formidable boost to the extent of someone saying “You can’t” my answer is “Watch me!” I wanted to get a pilot’s licence and a teacher said to me “Wait until pigs might fly”, I got it! When I was barred under regulations from becoming an Air Traffic Controller, I became a naval architect and surveyor that eventually led me down the road to success in commerce when I become a senior board executive in the steel industry. From there I moved to head the unit in the EU Commission that brought about the laws that protected and enhanced the rights and entitlements of the elderly and disabled. After that contract ended, I went onto become the founding CEO and Director of a charity both giving advice and helping those with disabilities use assistive technologies, from advanced wheelchairs to controlling not just computers but other devices using voice recognition.
During my life from 18 years old onwards I have always been involved in third sector activities and organizations starting with Round Table in the UK and moving onto the Rotary Club of Kettering then Wellingborough Hatton. Now I live in Ireland and am the Communications Chair of the Rotary Club of World Disability Advocacy, an eClub in District 7910. Our mission to enhance and bring dignity and independence to peoples with all types of disabilities around the globe. I also help run a global Advocacy Group for polio survivors. Unfortunately, the progress of Post-Polio Syndrome keeps advancing to the situation whereas before I could “walk” with full length callipers (braces) I now use a power chair all the time and the latest is that I have had to give up driving due to increasing weakness in both arms.
From a very early age I had a stubborn streak, tell me I couldn't, and I did. Tell me my disability would stop me and I wouldn't let it. About 40 years after that teacher told me I had as much chance as a pig flying, we met up again at a school reunion and he told me it had taught him and his colleagues a valuable lesson - never underestimate the human spirit and determination, no matter how big the obstacle. Rotary still allows me to exploit that attitude, hopefully to the benefit of others. As I see it my attitude meets the 4 way test!
Now perhaps, even at my stage of life, I ought to see whether elephants can really fly!
-- John McFarlane
Demonstrating ability overcomes all obstacles
Tullamore, County Offaly, Ireland
World Disability Advocacy e-club, District 7910