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BY JODY ZOGRAN
As busy nurses, many of us may not realize
that every day we encounter valuable
medical, entertaining and interesting
facts about knowledgeable friends, patients
and strangers.
How often when we are running, shopping,
caring for a patient, on a cruise or
just relaxing on the beach, do we look at
distinguishing logos? I for one was guilty
of logo neglect until several years ago
when an intriguing logo caught my eye
and prompted me to inquire about it. The
majority of people sport these logos with
pride. To them they indicate a place they
have visited, a school they or their children
have attended or some involvement
in an association. Many embellishments
ignite delightful memories long after the
experience has passed. There is a world of
diverse information behind every logo you
encounter. They display a gift to be shared
and invite a peek into another's experience.
He said that is the Rotary Club logo and he had been the district governor of clubs in New Jersey. While we were still waiting for the ranger, Ken mentioned that one of Rotary's endeavors is to eradicate polio around the world. My eyes got as big as the proverbial saucers and I said, "My word, I just finished writing a book about my experience as a polio nurse during the devastating polio epidemic (1952-53) in the United States." I was at Municipal Hospital at the same time that Dr. Jonas Salk and his research team were isolating the poliovirus to develop the polio vaccine. Their laboratory was in the basement. Our patients - in iron lungs, rocking beds and Monahan chest respirators - were on the third floor.
A nationwide epidemic was occurring and Pittsburgh was severely affected.
Ken was eager to read my book. The next day he asked me if I would speak about my polio nursing experience at the next Rotary meeting. That one invitation led to presentations at other Rotary Clubs and subsequently other organizations and nursing schools. I continue on a lecturing circuit in northern and central Virginia.
A local Rotary District presented me with their Paul Harris Fellow Award for helping Rotarians and others to understand the consequences of one of the most dreaded diseases in history.
In August 2008, I was interviewed by WQED in Pittsburgh for a documentary titled "The Shot Felt 'Round the World" The Untold Pittsburgh Polio Story. It is to be televised later in 2009 and will present information about the development of Dr. Salk's vaccine and the heroic efforts of the polio nurses during the time when there was no vaccine to protect against this contagious, crippling disease.
Never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine such an exciting episode would unfold in my retirement and add so much zest to my life - all because I noticed a logo and asked about it. Untold exciting events may be yours for the asking.
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