Submitted by: PE Roel Abatayo

My brother had polio and I know first-hand how this disease could adversely affect one’s mobility for a lifetime.

Cocoy, as we fondly called him, never made his polio affliction limited him so he tried physical activities that a “normal person” would do, like joining us in scooter races, did wrestling matches with the neighborhood kids and even played basketball.

He walked using just one crutch, and ditched the donated wheelchair – telling us he feels and looks like a “disabled” person when seating on it.

Boy, he loved to sing, gifted with a good voice and was very good playing the guitar, left handed, ala Paul McCartney.

He was employed in an electronics company in Cebu friendly to PWDs like him, had a wife and 2 kids. He had his own small business – electronic repair shop and assembled videoke machines for various customers.

Unfortunately, he passed away a bit too soon, in his early 30s.

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For more than 30 years, Rotary International and partners have led the effort to eradicate #Polio worldwide. Rotary members have contributed more than $2.2 billion and countless volunteer hours to protect nearly 3 billion children in 122 countries from this paralyzing disease.

October 24 is #Rotary International World Polio Day. We at Rotary Club of Uptown Cubao invite our friends to support our #EndPolio cause. Your donations and support mean a lot in Rotary’s effort to fully eradicate polio in the face of the planet

Contact us to learn how you can help!