Follow Ramesh's Journey

Cycle to Walk had an opportunity to share its message with members of Kirk United Church in Edmonton earlier today. Thank you to all of you for your kind hospitality and contributions to the campaign, helping us raise $852 this morning!

Today was also Mother’s Day. Mothers make big decisions in the lives of children. In my own life my biological mother in India gave me up because she recognized she couldn’t provide the care I needed because of the effects polio had on me. My Canadian mom, Jan Ferris, was determined to make me independent as possible. I had chores (Yes kids I had to do dishes and shovel the driveway), along with lots of guidance, hugs, kisses, and lectures!

But most of all, my mom believed in my ability to do anything.

I would like to wish all mothers in the world a happy Mother’s Day! Mothers, you make big decisions in the lives of children. I would encourage you to continue to have your children immunized against polio. I truly do not want to see any child live the effects of this completely preventable disease. I know that if my biological mother in India had access to the polio vaccination she would have made the decision for me to be immunized.  If she were provided with that important, inexpensive option, I would not have had to live with the effects of polio: paralyzed legs and weaken lungs from having pneumonia 9 times prior to the age of 11.

Please, mothers: if you haven’t done so already, have your child immunized today to protect them and other children for life from polio.  11 per cent of Canadians are currently vulnerable to the disease.

Also, I’d like to thank the Ladies of Harley for organizing a fund raising BBQ for Cycle to Walk up in Whitehorse. As well, a big thank-you to all of the students at Golden Horn Elementary School located in the Yukon. These hard working students sold baked goods as part of a fund raiser for Cycle to Walk. No donation is too big or too small.  Remember: a dose of vaccine costs only 60 cents!