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From:
Subject: Re: [Q-R] 20th Century Plague
Date: Thu, 7 Apr 2005 00:40:49 EDT




Hi:

I was a polio pioneer here in Central New York. They came to our school
and told us about taking this vaccine that helped save children from getting
crippled. Then they asked for volunteers to take the vaccine, and they told
us that we might or might not get the "real thing." My parents absolutely
did not want me to take this vaccine because they were afraid I might actually
get polio, but I insisted on being part of the project. Later it was
revealed to my parents that I had received the vaccine and not the placebo. I lived
in Plainville, NY (yes right across the street from the famous Plainville
Turkey Farm for those who know the area). My cousin who was the same age as
me and lived in Chateaugay, NY decided not to become a pioneer and
unfortunately was the only member in our family to contract the disease. Fortunately,
she was lucky and only had a light case and did not become totally crippled.

Sharon



In a message dated 4/6/2005 6:58:41 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,
writes:

The 20th Century Plague.

In the early 1900's, polio was every parent's worst nightmare. Summer after
summer, the disease swept through North American cities and towns, leaving
dead or crippled children in its wake. But 50 years ago, on April 12, 1955,
a
medical breakthrough was announced: the Salk Polio vaccine, and with it, a
promise to put an end to the suffering. It is American scientist Dr. Jonas
Salk
who will always be remembered as the man who saved the children. But the
breakthrough might not have happened had it not been for the tireless
efforts of
a Canadian research lab.
( I can relate to this one................)






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