Jackie’s Story "My Life Surviving Polio"

eClub Rotarian Jackie Presented, Monday, October 30, 2023, to the Silverdale Rotary Club, Washington

TRF Chair Nancy Whitaker introduced the Polio program on October 26 and encouraged everyone to donate to Polio Plus through The Rotary Foundation (different from the annual fund). Jackie Oakley, who has been living with polio her entire life, described how it affected her and why she is so passionate about polio eradication – to ensure that no one has to experience polio like she has.

“I joined Rotary about 10 years ago because of Rotary International’s goal to eradicate polio; it’s called Polio Plus,” said Jackie, a member of the State of Jefferson E-club and frequent visitor to our club and activities. “I urge you to PLEASE donate money to the RI’s Polio Plus fund to end polio forever.”

What is Polio? Polio is a highly infectious virus, a disease that affects mostly young adults or children. It attacks the nervous system, and can lead to spinal and respiratory paralysis, and some cases death. Post-Polio Syndrome is the after effects of the virus on the body. And it’s still out there, threatening babies and children.

Jackie contracted polio in 1953 in the hospital where she was born. The polio severely affected her right back and leg, and she has spent her life dealing with the challenges of polio and post-polio syndrome: 

• Leg brace, cane
• Running and skiing not possible (walking and swimming instead)
• Multiple surgeries
• Spinal scoliosis
• Weakness in her right leg – not strong enough to hold her up.
• Stairs – very difficult
• Shoe sizes: right foot is size 6 ½, left foot is size 7. Shoe companies won’t break up pairs.
• Poor balance – multiple falls and bone fractures in the last two years
• Left hip worn out – replacement this year after a lifetime of compensation for her weak right leg

Creative compensation has been the watchword, as Jackie did not let these physical difficulties stop her. She retired in 2017 after a long and varied career; e.g., teacher, school administrator, city manager, and running a farm (hay, milking, gardening, and canning).

"Thank goodness for the people and organizations like you that donates each year to end polio. I urge you to PLEASE donate money to the RI’s Polio Plus fund to end polio forever. For those that have annually supported this noble but critical cause, I thank you."