Rotary PolioPlus Champions

Joan was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and contracted polio during the 1951 epidemics. Her family moved to Victoria BC where she married Terry in 1964. They have a son, a daughter and 4 grandchildren.

Thirty years after acute polio, Joan began to experience cold intolerance, muscle weakness and extreme fatigue.  She was diagnosed with Post Polio Syndrome which is a late effect of polio.  She then began a long journey of surgeries and rehabilitation.

When Rotary International began their number one priority of eradicating polio, she became an avid supporter, speaking to Rotarians about polio and Post Polio Syndrome.

Joan emphasizes the necessity of vaccines when speaking with younger people who often get conflicting information and presents herself as a first-hand example of what immunizations can prevent.

She deeply admires Rotary’s commitment to the children of our world.  Joan and Terry have worked for polio eradication for many years and feel privileged they will see the end of polio in this world very soon.  Joan says that to have been a small part of that is simply outstanding.

Joan is a Past President of the Post Polio Awareness and Support Society of BC and she chaired an international Post Polio conference in Vancouver in 2000.  She is also a Past-President of the Rotary Club of Victoria and has received a President’s Commendation and a District 5020 Award of Excellence.  She has received the Rotary Foundation District Service Award twice.  Joan has also been presented with the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award and the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers.

Terry grew up in Victoria, earned a Science degree at UVic and has retired from his career with the Victoria Police Department.  He joined Rotary in 1982 and has served his Club as a Director, Vice President and President in 2007 - 2008.  He has been the District 5020 Polio Plus Coordinator since 2008, encouraging support for Rotary’s number one priority throughout the District.  

Joan and Terry are multiple Paul Harris Fellows and Rotary Foundation Benefactors.  They have been Youth Exchange host parents, and both enjoy the fellowship side of Rotary, particularly in these trying times.