Born in 1953 in Madoc, Ontario, I grew up in Cordova, a small mining village. I became sick with polio in 1956 and was hospitalized for some time with the initial sickness.
From the ages of seven to eleven, I had several operations on my right leg and foot at Sick Children’s in Toronto.
I worked as a maintenance person for Indusmin until the exertion required for the work would leave me collapsed on the floor. Bewildered by the changes in my ability to function, which I now understand as common to those of us with Post Polio Syndrome, I quit my job in anger and confusion.
This left me without any disability pension and unqualified for any government assistance. I am unable to endure a full day’s work as my heart, muscles, joints and nerves are all affected by this syndrome.
I have attended the Post Polio Clinic in Kingston which has helped me to realize my limitations and regulate my life at a different pace.
--Bud Ireland
