Cycle to Walk Tour arrives in Truro

Polio is not a disease that we in the developed world are used to hearing about, but that wasn't always the case. Decades ago, polio outbreaks were a constant threat around the world. After the introduction of polio vaccines by Jonas Salk and Albert Sabin and a steadfast immunization effort, these outbreaks became part of history in most of the world. Polio is still a global threat endemic in Nigeria, Pakistan, Afghanistan and India. It is only a plane ride away.
 
But polio has always had an impact on Ramesh Ferris. Born in India, Ferris contracted the disease at the age of six months, and his legs were left paralyzed for life. With no means of rehabilitation for her son, his mother placed Ramesh in Families for Children, a Canadian-founded orphanage a year later and, in 1982, he was adopted by Canadian parents. With the support of his new family, several surgeries and mobility aids, Ramesh learned to walk with crutches for the first time at age four.
 
But it's not his ability to walk that's getting attention these days; it's his commitment to the fight to eradicate polio that is making news. On a visit to his native India to meet his biological mother in 2002, Ferris spoke with and witnessed the reality for polio survivors who did not enjoy the same good fortune he did. He learned of polio survivors who were forced to crawl on the ground and pad their knees with cut-up pieces of tire - because they didn't have the necessary medical attention and supports. Cycle to Walk was born.
 
The 28-year-old Ferris set out on a cross Canada tour on April 12, 2008 - the 53^rd anniversary of the polio vaccine. Using a hand cycle, Ferris is meeting people across the country, sharing his remarkable story and experience, and raising funds. To date, more than $270,000 has been raised.
 
Ed MacDonald, President of the Rotary Club of Truro, says that the determination of Ferris is remarkable. "As Rotarians, we have a very deep appreciation for his efforts to make a difference. The eradication of polio is a cause near and dear to the hearts of Rotarians around the world, and we're pleased to be able to offer the financial support of our club with a $500 donation".
 
At the end of this remarkable journey, Ferris will have travelled 7200 km - averaging 40 km per day using his 27-speed hand cycle. Seventy-five per cent of funds raised will support the eradication of polio; 20% will assist humanitarian rehabilitation efforts; and 5% will be used to educate Canadians about polio and advocating for continued immunization. To learn more about the Cycle to Walk tour, donate to the campaign, and follow Ferris on his journey, please visit the official tour website at www. cycletowalk.com.
 
For more information, contact:
Shelley Williamson
Executive Director
Cycle to Walk Society
(T) 1-800-599-0045
E-mail - executive.director@cycletowalk.com