I am seeking supporters for our bicycle team in Race Across America, better known as RAAM.  We are entering a four person team for Rotary’s Polio Plus program to eradicate Polio from the world. The Race starts June 16th, 2018 in Oceanside, CA and we should finish by June 24th in Annapolis, MD.  3,000 miles and it is one of the toughest events in the world.  
When Rotary started this campaign in 1985, there were 125 endemic countries in the world with 350,000 cases per year.  Today we only have three endemic countries left and only had 37 cases in 2016.  If we can eradicate Polio it will only be the second disease to ever be eradicated, with Small Pox being the first.
RAAM is an intense, grueling, and challenging bicycle race.  However, it is not as grueling or as challenging as living with polio. 
Our team name is “Team Rotary RAAMs Polio”.   Our Goal is to raise money for Rotary’s Polio Plus eradication program and raise awareness of how truly close we are to eradicating this disease.  The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will match 2 to 1 for every dollar we raise.   Even though we only have three endemic countries left, we are still immunizing the world and using over 100 million doses per year at 60 cents each.  We have not had a case in the USA since 1979; however, it is just one plane ride away.  So, I hope you see how important it is that we rid the world of this horrible disease. 
Will you help us by becoming one of our supporters by making a tax deductible donation to:
Rotary Club of Tulsa Foundation                                       
616 S Boston Ave Ste 410                                       
Tulsa OK 74119                                                                          
Write “RAAM” on the memo line of your check
 
As I was racing in RAAM 2017 on Saturday morning at 3am in the very cold, hard, driving, miserable rain, I could have easily quit…..and then the thought came to mind that kids who contract Polio do not get to quit……they are in for LIFE!!  Please help us put an end to this horrible disease.
 
For further information please contact me.
 
Bob McKenzie
Past President 
Rotary Club of Tulsa
918-694-0480