Huntley Rotary host Iron Long exhibit as part of polio fundraiser

Many people don't know what it is or how it was used.

Others have vivid memories of quarantines and restrictions from the early 1950s, plus the joy from all when vaccines were finally discovered and administered.

Several people visiting the polio traveling museum at Fall Fest in Huntley Sept. 23-26, had friends or relatives that lived out their entire lives, living in an iron lung.

Although the Americas have been free of polio for over 25 years, and free in Africa for a little over one year, it is still alive in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Since polio is a nerve attacking virus that is contagious, if it is not eliminated everywhere in the world, it will come back here as people travel.

The iron lung helped people breathe when the virus attacked their lungs.

Many people with polio functioned normally when the disease attacked "only" their arms or legs.

Rotary International is donating $50,000,000 per year over 3 years as part of a joint campaign from people, countries and corporations to finally eradicate polio.

Many visitors donated at Fall Fest and anyone may contribute through www.huntleyrotary.org.

The Rotary Club of Huntley arranged for the iron lung exhibit and wants everyone to understand the importance of medical research, of inoculations, and of making the world safe for everyone, since polio is only one plane ride away from coming back to us. The iron lung is a great reminder that our children have been protected by the vaccine and will not have to suffer the devastating effects of polio.