Dear Friend of Rotary District 7680:
When my mother Edith was 10 years old she contracted Polio. My mom’s courage and independent has always been an inspiration to me and my family.
With my family’s involvement in Rotary and with mom as our motivation, Karen and I have decided to climb Mt Kilimanjaro this summer with Rotary as part of its effort to eradication Polio worldwide.
Rotary has been fighting Polio since 1985. Between 1985 and 2000 Rotary immunized more than 500 million children. In 1988 there were 125 Polio-Endemic countries. In 1994 the Americas were certified Polio-Free. In 2002 Europe was certified Polio-Free and today there are only 2 Polio-Endemic countries remaining.
This push to finally eradicate Polio is most difficult and costly but to fail now would invite a Polio resurgence. Each climber commits to raising a minimum of $3,000 each and we would love for you to join us in the effort to end Polio worldwide.
We are funding our own way to climb Kilimanjaro so every dollar you donate will go directly to Rotary International’s Push to End Polio. You gift is tax deductible.
You can donate via Paypal using the link below or send a check payable to Rotary Foundation c/o Mike Walker Rotary 7680 Kilimanjaro Climb Organizer 5000 Winding Brook Road Charlotte NC 28226.
We would also love for you to leave us a reply with good wishes – or even to tell us we are a bit crazy.
100% of all funds raised will go to The Rotary Foundation’s PolioPlus Fund for Rotary International’s END POLIO NOW campaign. Thank you again for your generous support!! You will receive a confirmation of your donation directly from The Rotary Foundation.
The Rotary Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Your contribution is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. No goods or services were provided in exchange for your generous financial donation.
Todd and Karen, you are so inspirational! I commend you for your climb, and wish you every success! Please post lots of photos!
Love, Kathleen
Hey you two, i’m so proud of you, you such beautiful people. J’espère que tous va bien se passer pour vous.
Miss you and your parents
Magali
Hi Todd and Karen! First, we do think you are a bit crazy but then what would ever be accomplished without a bit of craziness in the world? We also think you are pretty darn wonderful to take on this challenge. We hope some of the funds raised to eradicate Polio will be directed at educating the villages in Third World countries who have resisted inoculations even though vaccines are available. We’re happy to support you in this worthwhile cause. Good luck!!
John & Jude
GOOD LUCK. AND HAVE FUN!!!! GO MOM AND DAD AND LOVE U!!👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼☺️☺️☺️
Best of luck guys!! So proud of you. This will be a trip of a life time. I am sure Todd will find some sherpas to lessen your load!! Ha, love you
Todd and Karen,
I love this! This is an awesome thing to do for Todd’s mom and a great “retreat” for you guys! I have a first cousin who has lived with a severe limp from polio contracted in the 50s and immediately thought of him today. Cheers to you both, to Todd’s mom and to Cousin Bruce.
Todd…Hope you’ve got your hiking “boots on”!
Debbie Dunn
Todd – your Mom is a woman I look up to. Edie has more energy than the Energizer Bunny! Nothing has held her back and it looks like nothing will hold you back.
Good luck to your and Karen on your climb and fund raising efforts for such a worthwhile cause.
Safe travels.
Todd and Karen, what an awesome task! Your mom is an inspiration to us all. Happy Climbing and God bless!
Joanne Collins says:
June 29, 2016 at 1:42 am
Dear Todd and Karen,
I was in shock when Edie told me about your summer plans. Lots of prayers for your safety and success with the Mission of the trip. I love Edie as much as if she’s my sister. A check will be sent from Ted and I. I’ll be looking forward to your return and seeing photos you’ve shared. Keep a good diary, Karen. I’ll be interested in reading it.
Joanne
Come on Porter, I am betting you can make it up that hill in one try! I am more less hedging my bet by saying that Karen might beat you to the top, but I still have faith in you.
Todd, thank you for being such a great role model and sharing your values and your inspirational journey! Safe travels!
As you climb, know that we are with you. Thank you for carrying the torch so brightly. Jarod
Best of luck with your climb! I am looking forward to seeing some photos.
Take care – Jon Steele
Todd and Karen
Enjoy your adventure and have a safe trip. Edie inspired our daughter and she followed Edie’s footsteps as an elementary school teacher. A worthy cause indeed!
Todd your father, John is my cousin. My maiden name is Haviland. Good luck to the 2 of you on your endeavor. Be careful. Tell your Dad and Mom I said hi.
Todd, your Dad John is my cousin. Tell him I said Hi. Be careful and good luck
Congratulations to you both for making it to the top and for your efforts to end Polio worldwide. We are proud of you!
Heard an NPR story about a recent polio resurgence due to Boko Haram and it reminded me that I hadn’t contributed yet. Sorry for the late response.