Our Story

My name is Ann and I have only been working with the Group since last March, it seems such a short time and yet so much has happened. I came here a somewhat naive addition to the office having never heard of the Post Polio Support Group and having only vaguely heard of Polio. I wonder now at how that could ever have been possible, with the launch of two books, one for the heart another for the head, the launch of a website and the ever increasing number of members. This is only a little of what has been achieved so far.

I have learned a lot and continue to do so but what strikes me most are the strength, support and goodwill of members themselves. Names and voices have started to become familiar to me and as the questionnaires have started to flood in, I thought what better way to keep this goodwill going than to show members that their comments and suggestions are of value. It is their ideas and thoughts that bring the Group together and fuel progress for the future. I want to ensure that they know their voices are finally heard.

 It is important that all members take the opportunity of filling in the questionnaire to let us know how we can help them. As much as we would like to reach out to all members, particularly those that are not in frequent contact, it is not always possible but something we continue to work on.

These are a selection of your thoughts, ideas and suggestions, statements covering a range of areas from the practical, to the emotional, simple messages of gratitude to each and every member.

“My major expense is keeping the house heated. I need more heat now than I did a few years ago. My heating is oil fired & is very successful but expensive, any assistance given in relation to purchase would be much appreciated.”

Before I joined the PPSG I never had any correspondence with anybody to do with Polio, I always just got on with my life, and since joining the PPSG I’m now much more aware of other people who were victims. Thanks to the PPSG for keeping all members informed on what’s happening with regard to assistance with aids and appliances and entitlements”

“As so many of our members are over 65, information on Older Care Programmes would be helpful – especially the new Home Care Package from HSE.
Good to see encouragement for members to join Age Action”

“If the original Health Boards are restored then it would become more local and accessible to everyone who needs help.”

“The Group could make airline/airport authorities of the E.U. more aware of the needs of the disabled passenger. I am a frequent traveller and airline staff often treats you as a 3rd class person. Last week I was in Frankfurt, check-in made me sit for 1hr and 20mins in unsuitable seats before a wheelchair came, then I was brought to a room and left there 15mins before departure(there on the tarmac).When they came my knee was swollen up & my hip was giving me trouble. After which I had to get physiotherapy, I also had to ring Dublin to ask them to let the flight crew know where I was.”

“It could help by running computer/web access training, for members without such expertise. Access to the online world is very useful to those with difficulty in mobility e.g. for shopping, communication and access to information.”

“Really just to keep on at those in Government to let them know we are still here and need all the help we can get. We won’t be here forever and now is the time to help us with regard to everything that will allow us to be part of the community so we can also do our bit. Those in power can make life easier for all of us Polio Survivors.”

“From my experience follow up on services offered. I would benefit greatly from a walkabout trolley but that is something I could not afford.”

“Garden help would be great. I’ve let things go.”

“I don’t think the Group can do much more. I think maybe lazy ones like myself could be doing more. I don’t really mean lazy, but maybe there is too much done by too few people. I don’t really know how to help as I am not very good at organising or lobbying or that kind of thing, but I do appreciate what’s being done by the organisation.”

“It would be great if we had a card like a Pass Card to show we are Polio Survivors because I am asked what happened to my leg. Another thing is my hand as I can’t lift it up, so if you had a card you could have it in your purse, something to think about for the AGM.”

“Is it possible to be given names and addresses of companies that make or supply spare parts for (in my case) callipers.”

“Please continue to keep up the good work of this great support organization you provide. Also perhaps investigate some link with developing countries. Support systems there are practically nonexistent for sufferers.”

“I would like more awareness days for the regions”

“PPSG is meeting the needs of many, this is a great reason to live, to have friends who care for us”

“I am a relatively new member and I was not aware until a few years ago of the existence of ‘late effects’. It is a comfort to know that should I need it, advice will be generously given. My GP was very grateful for the booklet”

“Need more contact, need more support as my mobility is so bad I am unable to go out alone.”

“Could PPSG assist the Polio Survivors who are asylum seekers here in Ireland to live in a suitable accommodation due to their disability, because I am presently living with three other women in a room, we share the toilet and bathroom. I fell down and some people look at me as if my disability is a contagious disease and the children imitate the way I walk. I am feeling depressed and mentally disturbed. Please use your good office to assist me, thank you” 

“PPSG appears to me to be an extraordinarily well run and effective support Group. Although I do not get involved myself I welcome the support literature and feel encouraged by the obvious effective effort made by others on all our behalves”

“Without PPSG I don’t think I could ever have coped, to know someone is at the end of a phone makes my life a lot easier. Thank you so much”

“It’s wonderful to know ‘somebody’ understands/cares and maybe experiences your exact problems and fears. Newsletters and all printed material are wonderful. Thank you”

“I have found all the information very useful particularly the book for the doctor as they do not understand PPS also the sheet on exercise which I have been putting into operation”

“It would be a good idea if you had cd’s and tapes with information for us Polio Sufferers. It’s easy to listen to over and over again in our homes and car. I think you should give it a try” 

I hope the above has touched you as it has me and on behalf of everyone within the Group, members, board members and staff alike, I would like to say that we sincerely appreciate the good wishes and expressions of thanks we have received and continue to receive from day to day. It fuels a continuous sense of satisfaction in all those involved. I decided to call this Our Story as without your ideas it would never have come about; it involves us all and highlights the importance that each individual plays in the Group regardless of how big or small that part may be, just simply being a part of the Group is what matters.

Ann Doohan