Hewko: Rotary International a powerful force at El Tour & advocate against polio

I always enjoy getting on my bike, especially for a good cause.

El Tour de Tucson is one such cause, and I look forward to covering every inch of the 102-mile trip on Nov. 23. Not only will we ride through a picturesque view of mountains, desert, and cacti, but we are also racing to bring us that much closer to ending polio.

Cycling is my go-to outlet for exercise, a hobby that rejuvenates me, and a pastime I deeply enjoy. It’s not just about the physical benefits but also the mental clarity and sense of freedom it brings. Over the years, I’ve embarked on numerous rides, including those dedicated to ending polio – a cause that Rotary International passionately supports.

The bicycle symbolizes sustainable transportation, health, and freedom. I’ve seen how cycling can bring communities together for a greater cause. Personally, cycling has been a significant part of my life,  professionally and personally.

At El Tour, each pedal stroke brings us that much closer to a polio-free world. The bicycle, in its simplicity, becomes a powerful tool for change, connecting us to communities and causes that matter.

This is my 12^th year participating in El Tour, but more importantly, it marks the 10^th anniversary of the World Health Organization (WHO) South-East Asia Region being certified as polio-free.

This year also marks 30 years since the WHO region of the Americas, including the United States, was declared polio free.

To date, Rotary has raised more than $67 million through El Tour to support polio eradication, and we will not stop until we finish the fight against this virus.

These are accomplishments to celebrate. But even as we recognize our tremendous progress toward ending polio, our work continues. For example, we’re investing in wastewater surveillance, which plays a pivotal role in polio eradication.

Wastewater testing helps public health workers quickly detect an emergence of the virus and respond accordingly, and it holds vast potential for use against other diseases.

The wild polio virus remains endemic in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

This year let’s lean in and push ourselves to bring us one step closer to defeating polio once and for all.

Visit endpolio.org to learn more and to support polio eradication efforts worldwide. You can also contribute to the ride through my fundraising page here. Every contribution and every effort to raise awareness makes a difference. Please consider supporting this important cause.

Together, we can pedal towards a healthier, more sustainable future. Together, we end polio.