I contracted polio in Saskatoon in the summer of 1952 when I was nine months old. I was paralyzed on my right side, but eventually recovered so that only my lower right leg showed any effect.

I have vivid recollections of long term hospitalizations and surgeries at Shriner’s hospitals in Winnipeg and Montreal during childhood. Following surgery at Sick Children’s Hospital when I was thirteen, I was able to discard my AFO.

I worked as a medical technologist for 20 years and raised two sons as a single parent. I lost my job in 1994 due to downsizing. I took college courses in the hope of a new career, but had to abandon them due to increasing difficulties caused by PPS.

I am once again using an AFO and have started to use a cane. I am in the process of applying for CPP disability benefits but it seems unlikely I will qualify. The issue of providing for my boys weighs heavily on me but fortunately I am sharing my life with a special person I met at college, who is a great source of encouragement and support.

--Marjorie Audas