The President’s Message: Happy 10th Anniversary CEPSA!
You are invited to CEPSA’s 10th Anniversary Celebration on April 28, 2007 at 10:30 in the Candler Hospital Heart & Lung Bldg. 2nd Floor Conference Room. Lunch will be provided.
Here are some of the highlights of CEPSA’s Anniversary Celebration… polio survivors will be sharing a short version of their story; two of CEPSA’s founders, Lorraine Frew and Cheryl Brackin will be sharing the beginning of CEPSA; CEPSA’s Memory Book and some of the History Books will be on display. A special thank you goes to Dot Parkhurst for working with me to assemble the History Books.
Calling All Polio Survivors … CEPSA is up-dating our Memory Book and we need your Polio Story!
If your story is not in the Memory Book, we would like you to write your story and bring it to the April 28th anniversary along with copies of pictures. (One photo around the age that you contracted polio and one recent.) If you are unable to attend the anniversary, please mail your story and copies of pictures to me at your convenience. Mail them to: Diane Davis at 7610 Peridot Lane, Savannah, GA 31406.
The following are some suggestions from Cheryl Brackin to help write your story:
- Tell when and where you contracted polio.
- How old you were and what were the immediate and long term effects.
- What types of devices (braces, crutches, chair, etc.) you used, if any.
- Where you lived at the time and where you received treatment.
- How your family reacted/adjusted.
- Whether you knew anyone nearby who contracted polio.
- What was it like going to school, college or work?
- What type of education did you have and what type of work do you do or have done.
- What are your interests and hobbies?
- How polio has affected/changed your life.
- What is your family like now? (married…tell about spouse, children; or extended family, if single)
- Are you experiencing any Post-Polio Syndrome symptoms? If so, how has your condition changed
- and do you need any additional equipment?
- How you learned about CEPSA and what CEPSA means to you.
Hope to see you at CEPSA’s Anniversary Celebration!
God Bless,
Diane Davis, President
Thanks Gigi, Jim and Richard! Gigi and Jim Veccia found two used scooters for sale at a thrift shop in Hilton Head, South Carolina. Jim discussed with the Board the possibilities of CEPSA purchasing the scooters to give polio survivors an opportunity to try out a scooter to see if it would be helpful to them. This goes along with CEPSA’s purpose and the Board agreed that this would be a great service. Richard Graham went with Jim to check out the condition of the scooters; finding the scooters in very good condition, they were purchased at $330.00 for both. Richard took the scooters home to clean them and replaced a battery in one. Richard delivered one scooter to Ruth Parham and the other to Cheryl Brackin. Jim gave his name and phone number to the thrift shop and asked them to call him when they receive more scooters.
Thanks to Janet DiClaudio for donating a book to CEPSA’s library; “The Post-Polio Experience” by Margaret E. Backman, Ph.D.
Coastal Empire Polio Survivors Association, Inc.: General Meeting Minutes, March 24, 2007
Cheryl Brackin, in the absence of Diane Davis, welcomed members and guests as she called the meeting to order at 10:40 AM. She extended our condolences to Ann Chance on the death of her mother in February.
Cheryl announced that in April we will be having a big celebration to honor the 10th anniversary of CEPSA. Afterwards, she gave the inspiration, and shared stories out of the new edition of the book, “Managing Post Polio.” She read several inspiring stories of individuals and their lives as they are managing post polio syndrome.
Minutes were read and one correction noted: Dan Shehan identified 1,384 corners with no curb cuts in the historic district, not 2,384.
Dan Shehan moved that we have September named, “Polio Immunization Month” and that we support this state-wide emphasis. Seconded by Beverly Jarvis. Approved.
Sandra Bath reported that she had purchased $400.00 worth of materials for the 5th grade poster contest. She stated that the United Way will be reimbursing us for all of the $400.00.
Care Team News: Lorraine Frew is improving slowly; she still has shortness of breath. Janet DiClaudio and Ruth Parham have health concerns. We need to remember each of these in our prayers.
Announcements: Richard Graham and Jim Veccia stated that they have obtained 2 power scooters. One is a small one, and the other one is a large side-kick one. They will give the small one to Ruthie Parham.
Dan Sheehan stated that he is still getting calls for additional copies of the map. He asked if we should use it as an advertising vehicle or pay for it ourselves. We have several sponsors that we feel would donate for the publication of more copies. There was a discussion as to where members have seen them used. Dan stated that the Visitors’ Center has made copies to pass out because they have run out of the original one.
Cheryl stated that the book she used for the inspiration, “Managing Post Polio,” is available for purchase. She gave the quantities needed for a bulk order. She solicited orders, and, based on member response, will order 12 copies for the members and 2 for the library.
Our Program was titled, “Honor the Truth.” Each of person in attendance was given a card and instructed to write down 3 truths and 1 untruth about ourselves. We each read our cards, and the other members would try to guess the untruth. It was a learning experience as we got to know each other better.
Cheryl said that the next meeting would highlight the beginnings of CEPSA in Savannah. She also encouraged our new members to take time to write their stories on dealing with post polio. Meeting adjourned at 12:10.
Respectfully Submitted,
Adrienne Stallworth, Acting Secretary
Spotlight on Beverley Polin
They call her “Blue Eyes,” a nickname given to her by then General Dwight Eisenhower, a family friend. Beverley Polin of Goose Creek, South Carolina, is one of CEPSA’s newest members. The woman with the blue eyes and the indomitable spirit has traveled around the United States and knew two of our country’s former presidents.
Beverley was a happy, healthy child living at Fort Benning, Georgia when she contracted polio in June 1941 at age 11. She was one of 42 children struck by a polio epidemic on the base and in Columbus, Georgia. After having difficulty breathing, she was transported to a hospital. Her doctor placed her in an iron lung, where she remained for three months. When Beverley had not regained feeling or strength in her legs, the doctor told her parents she would not walk again. He did not want to tell Beverley but her mother insisted. Six doctors went into her room, and their faces registered “doom and gloom.” Dr. Qualls told Beverley that she would spend the rest of her life in a wheelchair. Beverley replied, “Oh, yes, I will walk again, ‘cause you don’t know my doctor.” The doctor responded, “I thought I was your doctor.” Beverley said, “You are, but I have one greater than you, and His name is Jesus. I have a lot of work to do for Him.”
General Eisenhower learned about Beverley’s diagnosis and arranged her admission to the rehabilitation program at Warm Springs, Georgia. While a patient at Warm Springs, Beverley twice met President Franklin Roosevelt. She said President Roosevelt was great; he was right there with the other patients.
Beverley was treated using the Sister Kenny Method, which used hot packs and very strenuous exercises, as well as the exercises in the warm, spring-fed water of the swimming pool. The patients’ routine included two weeks of therapy and then a week at home. Mothers were taught the exercises, so they could continue the exercising at home. Then the patients returned to Warm Springs for another two-week period of therapy. Beverley says that “With the help of Jesus and Sister Kenny, I was able to be fitted with braces and get out of the wheelchair.”
Beverley wore braces and used arm canes until she was 17 years of age. This determined polio survivor said that she had great parents, but sometimes she became very angry with them. She thought they were “the meanest parents in the world” because they would not help her do anything. Now she realizes they were doing it for her own good, and she knows that watching her struggle hurt them deeply.
A hallmark experience in Beverley’s recovery came one evening when she asked her father to bring her a glass of tea, and he said “Get it yourself,” but did not let her see the tears in his eyes. Beverley started to the kitchen, but her cane slipped on a rug. She asked her dad for help in getting up, but he refused. She struggled until she was able to get to her feet. Beverley picked up her cane and hit it against the door facing and yelled “I will never use these again!” She made it back to the sofa and removed her braces and threw them across the room, yelling “These are going too!” Her mother asked how she was going to get to bed. Beverley said “I will make it; have no fear. Jesus is going to be my braces and canes from now on.” And she did make the long and difficult walk to her room that night. Unknown to her parents, Beverley had been practicing standing and walking around her bed, as they slept at night, for about three months.
Beverley graduated with her senior class, walking across the stage with only one cane. She continued with physical therapy, gaining strength in her legs. She had wanted to be a nurse, and in May, 1952, her dream came true. After three or four months, she decided to go into medical technology but needed to find a way to finance the education. She chose to join the Navy! Her parents never imagined that she could pass the medical exam, but pass it she did and off to boot camp she went! She wore a lift inside her right shoe to help balance, made the precision drill team, and did a lot of marching. She preferred this to K.P. (kitchen patrol)!
When Eisenhower was elected president of the United States, her drill team was selected to be in the inaugural parade. In her own words, “The Red Letter Day came—my first time to vote, first time to be on a precision drill team, first time to march down Pennsylvania Avenue, first time to be in the White House, much less to have dinner there.” On that snowy, windy January day Mrs. Eisenhower recognized “Blue Eyes” as she passed the presidential viewing stand. As Beverley and the young cadets were waiting in the 15-degree weather to go to lunch, suddenly she heard someone calling “Beverley, Blue Eyes.”
It was First Lady Mamie Eisenhower who hugged her and invited her to have lunch with the Eisenhowers and their guests at the White House.
Beverley completed her tour of duty, finished college, and was discharged on October 16, 1956. She married in December, 1956, and she and her husband, Tony, adopted a baby girl in December, 1957. They also shared their home with Beverley’s mother. Sadly, Tony suffered a massive coronary in 1960 and died, leaving Beverley to care for a three-year-old child and her own mother. She obtained a position as chief of a hospital laboratory.
Following the death of her mother in 1979, Beverley moved to Charleston, SC and lived with her daughter’s family. In 1986, Beverley met and then married Irick, a retired Baptist minister and “the sweetest man in the world.” He returned to the ministry, pastoring two small churches, and doing evangelistic work. Beverley had to retire in 1987 due to post-polio syndrome and degenerative disc disease. She began wearing short-leg braces. Determined as always, Beverley joined her husband, and they traveled for about 14 years as an evangelistic team: Irick preached and Beverley sang.
Her beloved Irick died in 2003. Beverley said, “Once again I am alone, but God is with me . . .” She now is wearing long-leg braces, uses a walker to maintain her balance, and uses oxygen 24 hours a day. Her doctors say all her health problems are due to her polio history.
Beverley believes God guided her to CEPSA. Beverley, welcome to our group and thank you for sharing your remarkable story with us. We hope to see your smiling face at many future meetings.
Submitted by Cheryl Brackin
Happy May Birthday to:
6 – Junie Parham
17 – Wayne Steadman
26 – Dale Merritt
31 – Richard Graham
I M P O R T A N T !
CEPSA will meet May 19th at the clubhouse at
Wild Heron Villas.We will NOT meet on the 4th Saturday.
Directions to WHV in May’s newsletter.