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Her family moved to Victoria BC where she married Terry in 1964. They have a son, a daughter and 4 grandchildren. Thirty years after acute polio, Joan began to experience cold intolerance, muscle weakness and extreme fatigue. She was diagnosed with Post Polio Syndrome which is an after-effect of polio. She then began the long journey of surgeries and rehabilitation.
Joan emphasizes the necessity of vaccines when speaking with younger people who often get conflicting information and presents herself as a first-hand example of what immunizations can prevent.
Joan is Past President of the Rotary Ann's. She is the President of the Post Polio Society of British Columbia and the current President of the Rotary Club of Victoria. She is a Multiple Paul Harris Fellow and a Rotary Foundation Benefactor. Joan has received a President’s Commendation and a District 5020 Award of Excellence. She has received the Rotary Foundation District Service Award – twice. Joan has also been presented with the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award and the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers.