The President’s Message: We’re Still Here Campaign
CEPSA is joining Post-Polio Health International’s campaign during the week of October 14-20, 2007 for polio survivors of the world to declare WE’RE STILL HERE.
We’re Still Here…
- working as executives, scholars, teachers, laborers, writers, health professionals.
- attending schools and universities.
- retired but volunteering at schools, places of worship, non-profits.
- anchoring families as parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, siblings.
- committed to enhancing the lives and independence of all survivors of polio.
We’re Still Here…
- needing greater access to education, employment and transportation.
- needing improved access to medical care, including rehabilitation and re-rehabilitation.
- asking for support of the worldwide poliovirus eradication effort, insisting that the appropriate agencies and governments finish the job and maintain appropriate vaccination rates.
The purpose for our campaign is to:
- Educate about post-polio issues.
- Remind the general public of our successes and contributions.
- Find other survivors, including the oft-forgotten younger ones.
- Recruit health professionals to treat us.
- Initiate a comprehensive secure searchable database.
CEPSA is combining efforts with Post-Polio Health International to be clear about the needs of polio people world wide; however, we also want to send the positive message of the abilities and capabilities of people with disabilities. We want to reinforce the message that we are and deserve to be actively involved in our communities, and that we accept the responsibilities of full participation.
CEPSA is launching our campaign to let the world know We’re Still Here… during the months of September and October. I received the proclamation that I applied for from the Governor of Georgia, Governor Sonny Perdue, and the Mayor of Savannah, Mayor Otis Johnson declaring September as Polio Awareness Month in Georgia and Savannah. Jim placed the Georgia proclamation on CEPSA’s website and notified Post-Polio Health International. I contacted Dr. Richard Bruno, the Chairman of International Post-Polio Task Force and Director of The Post-Polio Institute to let him know about the Proclamation. CEPSA is involved in several events in September and October to raise awareness about polio, post-polio syndrome, polio immunization, and the Global Polio Eradication Project.
On September 15th Ruth and Junie Parham will oversee CEPSA’s Polio Awareness display at the Brunswick Mall, “Baby Fair.” Ruth is CEPSA’s representative of the Glynn County Immunization Coalition in Brunswick, Georgia. Tom Newcomer made the initial contact for “The Senior EXPO” in Bloomingdale, Georgia at the Bloomingdale Alliance Church on Saturday, September 22nd from 10:00 until 4:00. I made the necessary arrangements and spoke with the coordinator of the event, who said that they will have room for the Iron Lung and several tables for CEPSA’s Polio Awareness display. They are excited about our group joining them for this important event. We need volunteers to set up CEPSA’s display on the Friday before the Expo. Saturday morning, we will need 2 or 3 volunteers to man the booth, who will be willing to miss CEPSA’s general meeting that same day. After CEPSA’s meeting, we will need other volunteers to relieve the morning shift and take down the display. Let me know if you can help with the Senior EXPO. My number is (355-1221). I have put together several triptychs using information from our 2004 Polio Awareness mall exhibit and current campaign information that will be used for CEPSA’s display tables at these events.
September 20th is the Immunize Georgia Conference in Atlanta. Sandra Bath will be attending the Atlanta conference and has requested a position on the panel. The conference registration and accommodation expenses for Wednesday night will be covered by CEPSA. We need members to help with CEPSA’s Polio Awareness display at the Conference. If you are interested in attending, please let Sandra know as soon as possible. (920-3862)
Sandra is also heading up CEPSA’s Adolescent Immunization Awareness Project in Savannah.
The March of Dimes – Walk America will be heldon Saturday, October 13th in Brunswick, Georgia. Registration begins at 8:30. The Brunswick Rockin’ Stewbilee will follow Walk America.Ruth Parham will be representing CEPSA in the Walk America and over-seeing CEPSA’s display tables at the Stewbilee event.
Contact Ruth Parham at 1- 912-437-4764 for more information if you would like to participate.
God Bless,
Diane Davis
To go along with our Polio Awareness Month theme in September, the program for our September 22nd meeting will be S.O.S. – “Sharing Our Strengths” ~ Comparing Post-Polio Health Experiences… We will be learning from each other, as we consider what’s working to relieve post-polio issues. Topics: Coping Strategies, Medications and Anesthesia, Nutrition, Adult Immunizations and Care givers.
Savannah’s Celebration of the Americans with Disabilities Act 17th Anniversary was dedicated to the Memory of Doris Phillips, a Polio Survivor, Member of CEPSA and Founder of L.I.F.E.
The Americans with Disabilities Act 17th Anniversary Celebration was held at the Bull Street Baptist Church, College Building, on July 24th from 11:00 to 2:00. This year the celebration began with a tribute to Doris Phillips who died June 28, 2007. CEPSA offers our deepest condolences to the family of Doris Phillips. Doris may be gone, but her legacy will live on through the many lives that she touched concerning disability issues in Savannah. The tremendous impact she had on the disability community will continue to help people for generations to come.
(See Doris Phillips Memorial)
Living Independence for Everyone, (LIFE) Inc., Coastal Empire Polio Survivors Association, Inc. and Savannah-Chatham Council on Disability Issues worked together to plan the celebration this year. Dan Shehan, who is CEPSA’s Chairman of the Historic District Navigational Guide for Scooter and Wheelchair Users, is also serving as Chairman of the Awareness Committee of the Savannah-Chatham Council on Disability Issues and has been recently elected as the Vice-Chairman of the Council. Janet DiClaudio is serving on the Council with Dan and helped with the event. Dan Shehan was greeting people at the door when Diane Davis and Sissy Morel arrived at the celebration.
There were many wonderful speakers and testimonies about the ADA and people living with a disability. Bob Scanlon, Facilities Maintenance Director of The City of Savannah Facilities Maintenance Bureau, commended Dan Shehan for CEPSA’s Navigational Guide and indicated that it was instrumental in helping the city of Savannah recognize the great need for accessible ramps and curb cut repairs in the Historic District. Bob Scanlon reported that there are 2600 ramps needed in the Historic District at the present and a goal has been set for 450 ramps to be built in the next few years; however, Bob started a new program in July that will more than double that goal. Bob’s program consists of partnering with small contractors to teach them how to build ramps according to regulation and then those contractors will teach others. This will have a domino effect to build much needed ramps at a greater rate. Consequently, Bob has set a new goal of 50 new ramps a week. Dan Shehan, who lives in the Historic District is amazed at the recent progress and commends Bob for doing a great job.
Pete Liakakis, Chairman of the Chatham County Board of Commissioners, spoke and presented the Proclamation of the 17th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Hesaid that God created us all equal and he is committed to doing what he can to help people with disabilities. Liakakis said, “I am your servant.”
In Memory and in Honor of Doris Phillips
A woman of warmth, determination, and compassion–this was the beautiful spirit of Doris Phillips. Doris, who will always be remembered as the icon of Living Independence for Everyone (LIFE), Inc. passed away peacefully on June 28th.
Doris contracted polio at five years of age. She grew up in McCrae, Georgia As a polio survivor, Doris personified independent living. She married her Russell and raised three lovely girls. Doris realized that she had information and insight to share about living with a disability. She began working with her friend Judy Winters to establish a local agency to assist and advocate for individuals with disabilities. They obtained funding through the city of Savannah as well as from Chatham County. In 1986 these strong women began the program we know today as Living Independence for Everyone, LIFE), Inc. Transportation and accessible housing were major concerns, as they are today. Doris met with city and county officials to inform and insist that the rights of individuals with disabilities be addressed in this city. She and Judy obtained funding through HUD for the Phillips-Winters Apartments on Mohawk Street, the first public housing facility in Savannah designed specifically for people with disabilities. Doris seemed to be everywhere–speaking at city council; meeting with transportation officials about our transit system; speaking out about the inaccessibility of buildings, such as the civic center; attending local support groups to encourage the members; inspiring LIFE consumers, supporters, and elected officials with her speech at our Independence Day celebration at city hall. She marched in Atlanta to persuade legislators to join our cause and fund needed programs. Doris rallied with thousands in Washington, D.C. to bring national attention to our issues and told us how empowering the experience was. She always wanted us to learn more and to advocate for ourselves.
When the Coastal Empire Polio Survivors Association began in 1997, Doris joined and lent her support as well as her expertise about independent living. She inspired CEPSA members to become a part of LIFE. Doris frequently attended CEPSA meetings during our early years. She served as our first publicity chair.
As an Independent Living Co-coordinator at LIFE, Doris provided services to countless consumers to help increase their independence. They were given information and referral, independent living skills, peer support, advocacy, and assistance in promoting full access to community life. Her consumers, along with everyone else, loved her dearly! Due to health problems, however, Doris was forced to retire in December of 2005, but later came back to serve on LIFE’s Board of Directors.
This woman with a quiet demeanor always spoke when it was important. Her warm personality, contagious smile and strong dedication made her difficult to ignore and impossible to forget. She never complained but always expressed concern for others.
We honor Doris for her many accomplishments and loved her . . .because of who she was. She lived life fully and achieved much in the disability rights community. We will all miss her friendship, her encouragement and her guidance. She would want us all to keep working toward a day when having a disability would not mean being left out. She would be asking us to challenge the attitudes, the agencies, the administrative structures and the architecture that excludes and segregates people with all types of disabilities. We will not let her down. What a difference one single life made!
S.O.S ~ Spotlighting Our Sponsors
Member/Supporter: Tony Tedona Judge Frank Cheatham
Supporter: Helen Thorpe – Friend of Janet DiClaudio and polio survivor.
Honorary Gifts
The following names are family and friends who donated a gift to CEPSA in honor of Jim Veccia.
James and Judy Veccia Joseph and Mary Veccia Phyllis Veccia
Dalva Da Silva Dr. Deborah Nickerson Nance Sherland
Frances and John Hodgkins Gordan and Terry Sherland Rick Veccia
Larry and Eileen Murphy Chris and Nancy Zalesky Kenneth Tornvall
John Hodgkins (Sachem Building Supply Corp.) Steven and Maria Veccia
Thank you for your generous donation to CEPSA!
Member Concerns
Sandra Bath Marty Foxx Jim Veccia Diane Davis
Condolences from CEPSA…
Our deepest condolences to the families of:
Doris Phillips, fellow polio survivor, member of CEPSA and founder of Living Independence for Everyone, Inc.
Beverly and Gene Jarvis in the death of Beverly’s mother, Delphine Dean, a dear sweet lady.
Rev. Douglas Moser, a fellow polio survivor and member of CEPSA
Polio: Global Case Count
| Total cases | Year-to-date 2007 | Year-to-date 2006 | Total in 2006 |
| Globally | 420 | 1115 | 2000 |
| – in endemic countries: | 355 | 1019 | 1872 |
| – in non-endemic countries: | 65 | 96 | 128 |
Happy Birthday!
July 21 Cornelia Rollins August 1 Dave Vance September 6 Cheryl Brackin
11 Archie Ivey 11 George Frick & Ed Luck
27 Jim Veccia 16 Betty Johnson
19 Patrina Johnson
22 Gene Jarvis
24 Richard Hall
27 Dot Parkhurst
If your birthdate has not appeared in the newsletter, please let Sandra Bath know
CONTRIBUTIONS
The Coastal Empire Polio Survivors Association is a non-profit corporation which is tax exempt under IRS code 501c (3). We have no paid employees, only volunteers dedicated to helping all polio survivors.
Your financial support is appreciated at any level suggested below:
* CEPSA Member – $15.00 annual voluntary donation
* CEPSA Supporter – $25.00 $50.00 $100.00 $300.00
* CEPSA Memorial or Honor Gift – any amount
* CEPSA Sponsor – any amount
Your contributions are tax deductible and will be acknowledged appropriately.
Please complete this form and mail it along with your check to: CEPSA, Marty Foxx, 23 East 61st Street, Savannah, GA 31405.
Name __________________________________________________
Address ________________________________________________
City ___________________ State_____________ Zip ___________
Phone _______________________ E-mail _________________________________
Thank you for your support and encouragement.
Coastal Empire Polio Survivors Assn., Inc.
112 Van Nuys Blvd.
Savannah, GA 31419