David Morse Fans!

For those of you who have seen the TV show "Hack" on CBS Friday nights, you night be interested to know hat David Morse has been active with polio survivors. He has worked with former Senator Bill Bradley and Dr. Richard Bruno lobbying on Capital Hill for SSDI recognition for post polio syndrome and received the David Bodian Memorial Award by the International Post-Polio Task Force for efforts on behalf of polio survivors.         INDEX

PPSGM Member Honored by TV Station

On October 2nd, a group of outstanding volunteers were the honored guests at the 3rd  Annual 6 Who Care Awards, a celebration of outstanding volunteers sponsored by WCSH-TV "News Center 6". Hosted by anchors Cindy Williams and Pat Callaghan, 6 Who Care acknowledges the contributions of some truly exceptional people who make a difference in the lives of others. If you would like to see the broadcast of the ceremonies tune in to Channel 6 in Portland or channel 2 in Bangor on Christmas Day at 3:00p.m.

Diana Abbott is a leader in Project L.O.V.E., a Wells program placing older adult volunteers in local schools to enrich children's lives. She is also involved in the York County Child Abuse and Neglect Council, the Maine Volunteer Connection, the local library, hospital, and senior center in Wells, and the Governor's Service Awards Committee. Despite ongoing disabilities caused by post-polio syndrome, Diana's volunteer spirit is unflagging. She mentors children who face physical disabilities. Diana was the first physically challenged person to graduate from Gorham State Teachers College (now USM). Diana is a retired teacher.          INDEX

excerpt from the WCSH-TV website

Knowing what post-polio syndrome is, and being able to properly diagnose it can be an on-going task. Here are some key criteria in establishing a diagnosis of PPS:
  *  having an earlier diagnosis of poliomyelitis and residual motor neuron loss;
  *  at least 15 years since the diagnosis of polioinyelitis where there is relative neurologic
      and functional stability;
  *  gradual (only rarely sudden) onset of new weakness or increased muscle fatigue, pain,
      atrophy, or overall fatigue; and
  *  exclusion of other conditions that may cause similar symptoms.
For informational packets for either survivors or health professionals, you may contact your local Alpha One office and request a packet be sent to either you or your doctor.          INDEX