Defeating Polio 50 miles at a time

 

 

In the fall of 2018, Al Bonney, Foundation Committee Chair for District 6290 and I started on a journey to raise funds for the eradication of Polio. On November 14, 2018, we took on the challenge to fulfill our promise and drove for 3 days to cover the 2200 miles from Michigan to Tucson, Arizona, to ride 50 miles in the El Tour De Tucson, for the purpose to raise funds and draw awareness for the eradication of polio.

Together we raised close to $8,000.00, (with the match from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation the total will come close to $24,000.00) and drew awareness of the importance to continue the fight to eradicate this dreadful decease “POLIO”. 

 

It was thru this mission that Al and I were able to join John Hewco, the General Secretary of Rotary International and Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Tucson Arizona, to ride in the El Tour De Tucson, raising millions of dollars towards THE ERADICATION OF POLIO.

 

The experience to be a part of this great effort in Tucson, gave Al and I renewed confidence that Rotarians everywhere are open to the challenge to finish the job that children worldwide will grow up without suffering under the symptom of polio.

 

Riding with Rotarians from many parts of the world, even as far as Australia, gave this event a new dimension of importance.  It also made me a stronger healthier person.

 

The entire trip, the driving to Tucson, the anticipation on race day, the challenge to have a well-tuned bike and being a part of this great event, will be with me for a long time.

 

Al and I like to thank all of our contributors for their generous support, without it we would not have had this fantastic experience and be able to raise funds towards the Polio Plus Program.

 

The race took us thru the outskirts of Tucson, up and down rolling hills, dessert vegetation, cactus plants, a totally different landscape from our Michigan environment. The pictures are a snapshot of the race, were “looking good had no quitt’n time”. (An old Boy Scout Phrase).

 

Arriving in Tucson, Al and I stayed in an RB&B, beautiful Arizona surroundings, spartan accommodations but the exterior landscape and multitude of cactus plants made up for the missing interior decor.

Yours in Rotary

 

Gernot Runschke

 

 

 

 

.