Dear Rotarian:
I’m Julie Ann Juliano, MD. As a family physician, past district governor, and a member of the Branchburg Rotary Club and our District PolioPlus Chair. I’ve dedicated much of my life to helping others. Whether it’s been through my medical practice or my work with Rotary, the fight against polio has always been close to my heart. I’ve seen what this disease can do to adults and children. I am driven by the knowledge that we have the means to stop it.
Polio is a virus that most of us in the developed world never have to worry about, thanks to the success of widespread vaccination programs. However, in some parts of the world, the threat of polio remains very real. We have eradicated two of the three Wild Polio Viruses. While we've made remarkable progress, with only a handful of cases reported globally each year, we are not done. Polio still lingers in regions like Pakistan and Afghanistan, where conflict, political instability, and healthcare access issues make eradication efforts challenging.
The stakes could not be higher. If we do not continue to push forward, there is a very real risk that polio could spread again, reversing decades of hard-won progress. Inaction is not an option. The human cost is too great. We are so close to achieving a polio-free world, but it requires a final, concerted effort from all of us. This is where we, as Rotarians, have an essential role to play. Here are three ways you can help.
- Donate - Every dollar counts in the fight against polio. Your contribution, no matter the size, helps provide vaccines, transport them to remote areas and ensure that every child is protected. You can donate now online or by check
- Every dollar counts in the fight against polio.
- Spread the Word: Use your voice to raise awareness about the importance of polio eradication. Share information with your friends, family, and fellow Rotarians. The more people who know about this cause, the stronger our efforts will be.
- Get Involved Locally: Join or organize local events, especially as we approach World Polio Day on October 24. Whether it’s a fundraising event, a community walk, or a presentation at your Rotary club, every action makes a difference. To schedule a presentation at your club meeting, please email me at docjulieann@comcast.net.
Together, we can finish what we started. Let’s ensure that polio becomes a disease of the past and give future generations a world free from its grip.
Please consider doing this right away. It is that important.
Yours in Rotary Service,
Julie Ann Juliano, MD
District 7475 Polio Plus Chair
(908) 304 4782 Cell – leave message