Peking, Paris, Polio and Passion

 

It is always a treat to watch when the multiple passions of Rotarians align to support a big dream.

 

Lee Harman, has a passion for Rotary; as a doctor he has a passion for Polio eradication and as a hobbyist he las a passion for old vehicles. The result is a dream to raise $1,000,000 to support polio!

 

 

Lee, a long time Rotarian, joined by his travel chum, retired Army Major Bill Ward, will set course on a once-in-a-lifetime amazing race, the 7th Peking to Paris Endurance Motor Challenge. The Peking to Paris Motor Challenge is a true endurance rally following in the wheel and tracks of the original pioneers of 1907. Driving an old car nearly half way around the world with a bunch of like-minded enthusiasts, against the clock, makes this rally one of the toughest driving challenges for vintage cars. Four Hundred miles a day for 36 days.

 

Miss Vicky

You should also meet Miss Vicky…….

 

Miss Vicky is a plucky, old 1931 Ford Victoria with plenty of life left in her. Miss Vicky is unique because so few of these particular models were made, and even fewer are ready for a 10,000 mile trek in 2019! It's been Lee and Bill’s long time dream to take Miss Vicky on The Peking to Paris Motor Challenge and to use this trek as an opportunity to raise both awareness and money in the fight to end polio. 

 

The next Peking to Paris Motor Challenge will begin June 2, 2019 and Miss Vicky will be there, ready to challenge the wilds of Mongolia, Russia, and China to prove anything can be accomplished, even ending Polio!

Lee Harman’s own involvement in PolioPlus has taken him to India to work with teams from CDC, the World Health Organization and UNICEF, entering off-the-grid villages to inoculate children. He saw firsthand how lives can improve. Rotarians, like Harman, know the pain and suffering that polio has wrought, mostly targeting humankind’s most vulnerable.

However, Harman also knows that the perils and tribulations that he and Ward will face are all worthwhile to call attention to the importance of eradicating polio while meeting a goal to raise $1 million from their endeavor.

Harman and Ward are asking Districts and individual Rotarians to join their effort. They are ready to speak at District Conferences and wherever they can to promote this campaign. Meanwhile, Lee and Bill drove Miss Vicky from Washington state to the 2018 Convention in Toronto, where she was on display in the House of Friendship.

To contact Lee Harman, email rleeharmanmd@gmail.com.

Check out Miss Vicky on social media:
https://www.facefook.com/FinishPolio/ and 
www.finishpolio.com