Swimmers honored for campaign against polio
LAKE GEORGE, N.Y. » Nearly 100 people gathered recently to honor Porter Corners resident Louise Rourke and good friend Bridget Simpson, who did a relay swim of Lake George this summer to raise money for worldwide polio eradication.
Rourke, 63, a retired teacher and social worker, was afflicted by the dreaded disease as a 6-month- old infant and lost the use of her right leg,
By doing the swim, she and Simpson hoped to raise $32,000, or $1,000 per mile of 32-mile-long Lake George. The recent dinner helped them nearly reach that goal, and donations may still be made till the end of this month.
Saratoga Springs Rotary Club has been a major supporter of the women’s effort, in keeping with Rotary International’s goal of eliminating polio around the globe.
“Louise has such a great story of ability rather than disability,” said Don McPherson, past Saratoga Springs Rotary president.
Rourke and her husband, John, a Glens Falls Hospital pharmacist, have two sons, Devin and Sean. Several years ago they visited Devin in Nepal, where he was working for the non-profit humanitarian organization Engineers Without Borders. The trip opened her eyes to the plight of polio victims in developing countries where there are no doctors, fresh water, or wheelchairs and braces for people to use.
So it was thrilling for Louise that Devin and his wife, Rachel, could be on hand for the July 9 swim. Devin even set up an online tracking device that allowed people to follow the swimmers’
progress as they headed up the lake.
“There were so many favorite moments, but one of the first that really sticks out is just arriving on that beautiful morning,” Rourke said. “The sun was coming up, shining on the water. A couple of people showed up and then more and more, carrying balloons. It was anamazing send-off and really kind of just made me want to get in the water and get it done.”
Simpson, an experienced marathon swimmer from Ticonderoga, was amazed at Rourke’s speed and determination.
“You could see the wake she was leaving behind. It was so cool,” she said. “When I realized what was
happening I said, Wow! Check that out! Because she kept such a steady pace during all three of her swim segments.”
Rourke did the first sixmile leg, followed by Simpson who swam an equal distance. Then they took turns doing five miles each, en route to Ticonderoga where they swam the last quartermile together.
During the dinner, at Courtyard Marriott in Lake George, Rourke and Simpson were presented with proclamations from representatives of Lake George Mayor Robert Blais, U. S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, Assemblyman Dan Stec and Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
Checks to help reach the fundraising goal came from Saratoga Springs and Ballston Spa Rotary Clubs, Eric and Kelly Catricala, and Dr. Peter and Di-
ane Kansas of Kansas Eye Surgery Associates. Lake George, Queensbury and Twin Bridges (Clifton Park) Rotary Clubs have also given generously during the fundraising campaign.
Doug Ford of Wilton and Sandy McAlonie of Halfmoon co- chair the Rotary District 7190 Polio Committee.
Now that she’s done Lake George, Rourke is inspired to try even bigger and better things, too.
“Bridget told me about some other possibilities so we’ll see,” she said. “There’s a lot out there.”
To donate, checks may be made out to Rotary District 7190/Polio and mailed to : District 7190, PO Box 306, Clifton Park, NY 12065.
For more information McPherson may be contacted at The LA Group by calling (518) 587-8100.