May: In Our Own Words

Born in Taiwan, May contracted polio when she was barely 1. She remembers going to a clinic for heat therapy and getting hot water poured on her legs. She has never been able to “squat” due to muscle weakness. After coming to the US, she met and married Winn, a fellow survivor.

She led an active adult life. PPS entered the picture when she started falling in her early 40’s. She was careful, but only able to stay stable for awhile. Now, her muscle weakness is more significant. She knows that by using a cane, a rollator and limiting her activities, her pain and weakness are currently manageable. Neither May nor Winn are able to climb any steps.

As May and her husband BOTH struggle with Post-Polio Syndrome differently, she can see clearly how different the late effects of polio can be for others.