KISSIMMEE, Fla. — While much of the focus is on the current pandemic, the Rotary Club of Kissimmee West is also working to help end an epidemic from 70 years ago.

Since 1986, the Rotary Club of Kissimmee West has worked to eradicate polio worldwide. Recently, the group has raised about $32,000.

While polio hasn’t been in the U.S. since 1979, it continues to be a problem for countries like Afghanistan and Pakistan. World Polio Day occurred this weekend.

Pastor Peter Zieg, a member of the Rotary Club, said polio was a scary word growing up in the Midwest back in the 1950s. He said he remembers getting his polio shot in school, lining up in the hallway at the gym along with many other children. 

“There was a boy who lived about a block away his name was Billy and Billy had polio," Zieg recalled. "We were all told don’t go near Billy’s house because Billy has polio and Billy is paralyzed and we didn’t go near Billy’s house.” 

Pastor Zieg says his father in law contracted polio at age four. His father-in-law's sister would have to massage his arms and legs to keep them nimble, everyday. He survived polio but lived with a limp for the rest of his life. 

The City of Kissimmee and Osceola County both adopted proclamations this week for World Polio Day on behalf of the efforts of the Rotary Club of Kissimmee West.