Judge Myron Thompson, a polio survivor, recalls being treated at Tuskegee as a child, where he received not only medical care but dignity—an invaluable gift in a segregated society. “It wasn’t just that I was treated,” Thompson explains, “I was treated with dignity.” Stories like his, along with the efforts of Tuskegee researchers, remain an often-overlooked chapter in the history of polio eradication.
These Black doctors, nurses, and scientists were instrumental in the development of Jonas Salk’s polio vaccine. Tuskegee’s researchers helped mass-produce HeLa cells, which were critical to testing the vaccine in one of the largest field trials of its time. Their efforts saved millions of lives, demonstrating the extraordinary impact of communities working against the odds.
A Survivor’s Story: Judge Myron Thompson
Judge Thompson’s story is a powerful reminder of the resilience of survivors and the hidden heroes who made polio treatment possible. Paralyzed at just two years old, Thompson received compassionate care at Tuskegee, where Black healthcare workers ensured that patients like him were treated with dignity and respect. His journey—from a child paralyzed by polio to a U.S. District Court Judge—demonstrates how Tuskegee’s legacy lives on through the lives of those they helped.
The Final Push to Eradicate Polio
Today, the fight against polio continues, with Rotary at the forefront. While polio cases have been reduced by 99.9%, the disease persists in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Rotary Halifax Harbour, along with Rotarians worldwide, is dedicated to making that final push toward a polio-free world.
But the work isn’t done yet. Inspired by the remarkable figures from Tuskegee, we are committed to ensuring that no child suffers from this preventable disease. With your help, we can achieve a polio-free future.
Join Us for World Polio Day
This October, in the lead-up to World Polio Day on October 24, we invite you to join us for our Pints for Polio fundraiser at Celtic Corner in Dartmouth on October 21. Together, we can honour the legacy of the Tuskegee heroes and make a lasting impact in the global effort to end polio. Let’s give the world the gift of a polio-free future.
