Page 23 - Mainstreamer e-Magazine Volume 5, April 2024

FAR AND BEYOND: A BLESSING IN DISGUISE
Amie’s Story: A Polio Survivor and her Advocacies

Fritz Enjhay
O. Cepe

oliomyelitis, commonly known as polio, is a for the Handicapped. This foundation sponsored
highly infectious disease that mostly affects all of her educational needs, significantly shaping
Pchildren under the age of 5. The disease, her future.
caused by the poliovirus, invades the nervous
system and potentially causes paralysis. Although
there is no cure for polio, there is an effective
and safe vaccine that help immunise over 2.5
billion children globally through initiatives led by
organisations such as Rotary and its partners.
The Philippines, which was declared polio-free
by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2000,
experienced a setback when the Department of
Health (DOH) declared a national polio outbreak
in September 2019, marking the reemergence of
the disease after 19 years. This situation highlights
the persistent struggle in eradicating polio and the
importance of continued vigilance and vaccination
efforts.
Amidst these broader public health efforts,
it is crucial not to overlook the individuals most
affected by this deadly disease. For many, the
term “polio” conjures up thoughts of a vaccine
rather than a disease that once caused widespread
fear. Reflecting on the public’s awareness, a polio
survivor shared, “It’s interesting, but even with the
limp I’ve worn over the years, people usually don’t President Amie, Rotaract President, and Past President
Carol of the Rotary Club of Antique administered the
have any idea what’s wrong with my legs.” polio vaccine to a baby at the Rural Health Unit of San
Amie Abogadil Membrillos Dava’s story Jose.
exemplifies resilience in the face of such
challenges. Born on January 26, 1976, in Sagasa, Amie’s experiences at the orphanage deepened
Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat, to a farmer and a her resolve to advocate for PWDs. She earned a
housewife, Amie was the second of six children. Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
After contracting polio as a child, she faced from the Polytechnic State College of Antique,
significant obstacles, including limited educational Sibalom Campus, on April 2, 1998. Her career
access due to financial constraints. After initially began as a customer service assistant at Globe
supporting her and her sister’s education, Telecom, and she continued to contribute to the
Amie became a ward of the Liliane Foundation empowerment of PWDs after marrying Engr.
Philippines through Sister Concordia Villaram, the Renante S. Dava and starting a family.
Directress of Saint Joseph Orphanage and Center Her advocacy work expanded when she became

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