Through advocacy efforts, India has adopted National Immunization Day (NID).  Each year thousands of volunteers from around the world come to administer polio vaccines to children under five years old. Consequently, India is entering their third year of no reported cases of polio in the country. India reported one case of polio in 2011, dropping from 50,000 cases in 1994.

Ogallala Interact, a youth organization under Rotary, made the decision to join the effort to end polio in the world.  In October, three Interact members, Maddie McQuillian, Brooke Robertson and Christine Allen, together with Interact Sponsor, Cindi Allen and past Interact President, Abigail Allen decided to travel to India during NID to administer vaccines to children.  Why? Because they saw the world as one – especially the world’s children. The cost was daunting. However, undeterred, the group decided to launch a fundraising campaign.  The rest is history. February 23rd in the middle of a predicted snow storm, the group left for India, flying out of Denver. 

“The children we vaccinated will never know our names or see our faces again, but they will live a life free from the deadly disease of polio” remarked team member Abigail Allen.  After the first day with the children and fellow Rotarians from India; the team was overwhelmed. When they returned to their hotel room they could only share emotions and cry. The next day the team joined a door-to-door campaign and once again a spirit of amazement overtook them. “To have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children and see their smiles,” remarked team member Brooke Robertson, “makes me feel thankful for Rotarians around the world.” Christine Allen walked up a dark stairway of an apartment building to find a child – determined not to leave any behind.  Maddie McQuillian, a high school junior remarked, “I can see the importance of education. Educations overcame many of the fears, and mislead beliefs the people had about the polio vaccine.  And after seeing so much poverty, I am going to go home and tell my teachers – I’m sorry for not working harder.” Cindi Allen, Ogallala Interact Sponsor was proud of her group of young people. “We are getting old in Rotary. It’s time to pass our vision onto our youth.”  From the children of India, and the group of 5 known as the Interact India Polio Team – many thanks go to the generosity of Rotarians and Rotary Clubs in District 5630. We are this close to making history – eradicating polio in the world.

The Interact Polio Team members are: Cindi Allen (Rotary Sponsor), Abigail Allen (Interact Past-President), and Interact High School Members – Maddie McQuillian, Brooke Robertson, Christine Allen.