Rotary’s Legacy in the Effort to Eradicate Polio
Worldwide - End Polio Now
Today, Rotarians worldwide continue to work through our polio networks to eradicate polio.
JOE'S 2026 DONATION LINK - CLICK HERE.
Joe will be riding in 2026, from a stationary bike at his home.
Why I am fundraising for The Rotary Foundation
Rotary International started its efforts to eliminate polio in the Philippine Islands in 1979. In 1985 we set a goal to eradicate polio worldwide, in that year there were 350,000 cases, almost 1,000 a day. We've reduced polio cases by 99.9%! So far this year, there are only 3 cases in Pakistan and 19 in Afghanistan. But, we need to continue until all countries are polio-free. It is only a plane ride away! If all eradication efforts ended today, within 10 years polio could paralize as many as 200,000 children a year. Rotary can be proud of its efforts to eradicate only the second contagious disease. Let's not quit until the world is polio free!
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Who is Joe Scheimer:
- Role: District Rotary Foundation Chair (District 5180)
- Club: Rotary Club of South Sacramento (active with regional events and Polio-Plus fundraisers)
During his military career, his primary activities included:
- Retired Colonel USAF.
- Retired U.S. Air Force pilot. Thank you for your service.
- Fighter Pilot and Forward Air Controller (FAC): He flew combat missions during the Vietnam War, accumulating 1,005 combat hours directing air strikes against enemy supply lines. He piloted aircraft such as the A-10, O-2A, and O-1.
- The "Secret War" in Laos: He volunteered for a classified special operations program (Project Steve Canyon), becoming a member of the Ravens. For this covert activity, he had to give up his military uniform and IDs, operate in civilian clothes, and fly unmarked aircraft for the CIA and the U.S. Embassy to disrupt the Ho Chi Minh trail.
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News, 2026!
It's time for World Polio Day 2026.
Amazing work Rotarians.
Ending our Rotary year, our club raised 100% of our annual goal towards PolioPlus!
As of June 8, 2026, there has been an increase in new polio cases reported. 58, up 8 cases.
As of February 3, 2026, there have been no new polio cases reported. Nearing 50 cases.
Since 1985:
Over 3 billion children immunized
Over $3 billion raised by Rotary for polio eradication
News, Joe's Ride to End Polio 2025!
JOE'S 2025 DONATION LINK IS CLOSED.
THE RESULTS ARE IN: With your help we raised a total of USD 146,185 for Polio Fund. Thank you!
THE RESULTS ARE IN: With your help we raised a total of USD 146,185 for Polio Fund. Thank you!
9/8/2025 - For the 5th year, Joe Scheimer continues his pledge to End Polio. RIDE with Joe to raise donations for PolioPlus. His goal for this year's RIDE is $150,000, DEADLINE IS ON WORLD POLIO DAY - OCTOBER 24, 2025.
News, 2025!
8/2025 Polio cases have become a challenge in today's world. Last reported Polio cases continue to be at about 100. The number of children paralyzed by polio has fallen 99.9% since 1988. It is one of the most successful health campaigns in modern history, and the best example of what can be accomplished when Rotary members combine our grassroots strength to create meaningful and lasting change. We cannot stop now. We have to keep the promise we made to the children of the world. Together, we can end polio.
3/2025 Reports continue to reflect the rise in world Polio cases. Now reaching 100. Make sure you contribute to the efforts to reverse the outbreak.
News from 2024!
10/21/2024 Unfortunately, reports are in that we now have 54 cases of Polio. It is also reported, if immunization isn't stepped up, we could be looking at 200,000 case soon.
8/2024 There are currently 18 cases of wild polio, 9 in Afghanistan and 9 in Pakistan. But, there are positive soil samples of the polio virus in Gaza, so we know there will be more cases coming from there. This update was provided by District 5180 End Polio Now Chairman, Joe Scheimer.
UPDATE: Joe Scheimer reaches 148,254. Joe has set our District 5180 Raise for Rotary Fundraiser for PolioPlus. His goal is to have Rotarians & Friends contribute $75,000 for the fight to end polio. Join our District 5180 in End Polio Now and contribute online at the District Level. OR submit a commitment form to contribute at least $100 per year. These forms may be handed to Jim Cook, our Foundation Chairman. You will Make a Change!
Update June 30, 2023!
Congratulations to the Rotary Club of Walnut Grove for achieving its End Polio Now campaign goal for the 2022-2023 year. Surpassing the goal at 104.3%, the club expresses it sincere thanks to everyone for their contributions to fight polio world wide.
In addition, the Rotary Club of Walnut Grove smashed through their Rotary International goal at 166%. This important contribution returns to our local district in three years to continue serving our communities. THANK YOU again for your support.
UPDATE 2023: With continued hard work, wild polio cases are finally on the decrease after the pandemic. As of October, 7 wild cases have been found. 5 in Afghanistan and 2 in Pakistan. Rotary continues to work towards eradication of polio and you can help by donating to the PolioPlus Society. Join by October 24, and funds are matched by other leading organizations. Just submit a commitment form to contribute at least $100 per year. You will Make a Change!
UPDATE 2022: After nearly reaching our goal last year when only 2 cases of polio were reported, however recent news is that polio is being detected around the world in places where it hasn't been found in decades, including the United states. 27 wild cases in the world. 2 in Afghanistan, 19 in Pakistan, and 6 in Mozambique. It only takes a minute or two to be a part of a world solution. Vaccines have been deployed to stop outbreaks. At this time, please consider joining the PolioPlus Society by October 24, by submitting a commitment form to contribute at least $100/year until polio is eradicated.
UPDATE 2020: We’re committed to service, and we’re not afraid to dream big and set bold goals. We began our fight against polio in 1979 with a project to immunize 6 million children in the Philippines. Today, polio remains endemic in only three countries—down from 125 in 1988. As recently as July 2020, Nigeria has been certified Polo Free. In August of 2020, End Polio Now announced that only 85 cases remain worldwide. 29 in Afghanistan and 56 in Pakistan. Reaching last year’s commitment means The Gates Foundation then matched donations 2-1, which in turn, the Rotary Foundation matched.
Join PolioPlus Today
At this time, please consider joining the PolioPlus Society by October 24, 2025
by submitting a commitment form to contribute at least $100/year until polio is eradicated.
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Remember, your Contribution Form for The Rotary Foundation
allows you to choose where your contribution goes.
CLICK HERE to download a the Traditional Rotary Contribution Form that is both FILLABLE or PRINTABLE.
You may complete the form and turn it into Jim Cook, our club Foundation Chairman.
AND Make Your Online Payment by CLICKING HERE.
