Sunrise Rotary Event Supports Gift of Life

Rotary Clubs throughout the world have gained notoriety for their dedication to eliminating polio. The organization’s major focus to defeat that terrible disease for children and adults is a global effort. Polio has no boundaries; age, wealth or position of power cannot deter the deadly disease from striking down its victims.

One well-known example of how undiscriminating polio can be in regard to its victims is Franklin Delano Roosevelt. At age 39, Roosevelt was stricken with polio, which left the future President paralyzed from the waist down. 

Being part of the great battle against polio has been a wonderful bellwether of Rotary’s gift to the world. As of last year, there have been only four nations that are yet to be declared “polio free.” 

In 1975, Rotarians took on another great challenge when it began the Gift of Life Program, which today is a worldwide Rotary International Service Program. Its primary purpose is to help children who need corrective heart surgery secure another lease on life. The Sunrise Rotary Club of Marco Island became involved nearly three decades ago when they sponsored a child for lifesaving surgery at the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital on Florida’s east coast.

The club continued its efforts and the program’s success could be seen almost every year, when a healthy young child would stroll into a Rotary Club breakfast meeting to say, “Thank You,” before returning to their home country.

To better serve the growing need, the Sunrise Rotary Club joined efforts to provide properly equipped facilities on a regional basis. Volunteer pediatric surgeons, nurses and staff could travel to a location to conduct multiple surgeries, increasing their effectiveness and the number of children who could be treated.

By the end of 2021, over 40,000 children’s hearts have been saved through Rotary’s global network of caring. Your local Sunrise Rotary Club has been a major contributor to ensure that these children go on to live healthy and productive lives.

John and Mary Campo have helped spearhead the Sunrise Rotary Club’s support for the lifesaving program. On Friday, March 18, the Campos will host up to 100 guests for a homemade Italian dinner at the Marco Island Lutheran Church. Attendees will hear from people in the club and district who are directly involved with the Gift of Life Program.

You may reserve a seat for the March 18th event by calling John and Mary Campo at 941-350-9655 or Steve Stefanides at 239-250-8348. We will save you (and your checkbook) a seat for the event so that you may help save the lives of children in need. If you are unable to attend, but would like to donate, please send a check payable to “Gift of Life Florida” to Robert Thomas, 1083 North Collier Blvd. #378, Marco Island, Florida 34145.