SHAMOKIN - After decades of fighting the global poliomyelitis (polio) endemic, Rotary members are attempting to "pedal out" the remaining 1 percent of cases in the world by cycling through eight local counties in exchange for donations.
"Polio is almost gone, and we are doing our part to make sure that the Rotary is a part of it," said cyclist Jeff Coup.
Sponsored by Rotary International District 7370, "Pedal Out Polio" is a four-day, 335-mile bike tour of each community in the district that has a Rotary Club, which will then donate to Rotary International and the effort to eradicate polio. The tour started with a 77-mile ride from Renovo to Hughesville on Saturday. Bicyclists rode 94 miles from Hughesville to Danville Sunday, 72 miles from Danville to Ashland Monday and 93 miles from Ashland to Tamaqua today.
The event is also a way to get avid bicyclists together for a good cause.
"I like riding, and we were looking for a big project to involve everyone," said Coup.
Coup was PolioPlus chairperson when Rotary International, the World Health Organization and UNICEF first started the global effort to eradicate poliomyelitis in 1988. Since then, the number of annual diagnosed cases dropped 99 percent.
"In 2005, we thought we could rid the world of the disease, and we are at the point where only four countries still have it," said Coup. "Now we are just pushing to get it done."
As of today, polio only remains endemic in Nigeria, India, Pakistan and Afghanistan. If the eradication effort is successful, it would be the third time humankind has completely eradicated a disease, after smallpox in 1979 and rinderpest (cattle plague) in 2010.
Joining Coup on the four-day ride was fellow Rotarian Eric McDowell. Michelle Simon, a cycling enthusiast from Lewisburg, rode with the Rotarians for the last three days. According to Coup, "Pedal Out Polio" raised approximately $12,000 by Monday afternoon.
Also joining the cyclists on Monday was Shamokin Rotary member Margie Buriak, of Shamokin Township. Buriak and her husband, Mike, who was unable to ride due to a recently broken ankle, donated $25 each to join the cyclists from Elysburg to Shamokin.
"It was a good ride, but I'm not used to going that fast," said Buriak while resting in the municipal parking lot on Independence and Rock streets. "I wanted to do it because it was for a good cause."
The tour is open to anyone willing to make a $25 donation. The tour starts again at 9 a.m. today in Higher-Up Park on 19th and Oak streets, Ashland, and will end after 92 miles in Tamaqua. A rest stop is scheduled at Union Station, 300 Center St., Pottsville, 53 miles into the tour.