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Erica — Oakland, CA

I'm an African American boomer who grew up in Chicago, and I'm one of the first generations to receive the polio vaccination. I also have seen the ravages of polio up close - in my own family. I had an uncle who was struck with polio in his early twenties. My uncle James was a young father of two and recent Korean war veteran when he found himself paralyzed from the neck down. Uncle James breathed through a tracheal opening in his throat and spent his days in bed or in his wheelchair - hands and legs folded carefully in place for him. Uncle James was not a tragic figure to me then; he was just my uncle. He told me funny stories and let me ride around on the back of his wheelchair. But, looking back on it now, I wonder, what if he had been able to receive the vaccine I did? What were his dreams? I remember my aunt saying he was a smooth dancer when she met him - did he miss that? I also have a first cousin, Billy. He was luckier - is battle with polio only left him with the need for leg braces, one shortened leg, braces and lifelong pain. I never heard Billy complain; nor did he let polio stop him from playing baseball or basketball. But there has been a toll. So I have first hand evidence that not choosing vaccination is like playing Russian Roulette. You may get lucky, but the risks are much too great.

“My name is Erica and I choose to immunize.
What do you choose?”