Post-Polio Bransongoers, Year 25
By Millie Malone Lill
The Post-Polio Bransongoers are a group of people who met online, and are all polio survivors or supporters of polio survivors.
Source: Post-Polio Reunion FB page.
We began meeting meet once a year in Branson, Missouri for a weekend of information and entertainment in 1999. On May 29th, I set off with my friend Jan Jacobsen for our 25th gathering. It was bittersweet, as we knew it would be our last one.
Wanting the drive to be leisurely, we spent the night enroute. The next morning, we enjoyed the beautiful 2 ½ hour drive to Branson. As we drove through the Ozark mountains, we were enamored by the dense covering of trees.
On arrival, when I went to check in to the hotel, I was told that my reservation had been cancelled. Oh No! Our facilitator quickly fixed the problem and the fun could begin. It is my practice to spend time with as many people as possible during our reunion. Not too many had arrived yet, but we enjoyed gathering together for supper. More arrived that evening.
Friday (the 31st) was a big day. The meeting room soon became packed with people, everyone wanting to enjoy each other. Traditionally, it has always been lovely, simple lunches for lunch and a catered dinner in the evenings. This year, our organizers did an amazing job – box lunches at noon, a lovely Friday dinner with the highlight being a special dinner on Saturday.
On Friday afternoon we have our Survivors and Supporters meetings. The polio survivors are separate from their supporters – giving each group their privacy. This year’s discussion theme was “The Best and the Worst of this Last Year”. Following our dinner, survivor Paul Genereau gave a moving ceremony honoring our six veterans.
The author, Millie Lill dressed for the banquet.
Saturday began with a speaker on the topic of Value-based Care. She was very informative and answered many questions. Lunch began our social time while the meeting room was being decorated for our Saturday night, patriotic themed banquet. The meal was delicious, we enjoyed patriotic music and our raffle (that helps defray the weekend expense). It was fun. Everyone contributes items for the raffle – there’s something for everyone.
This year being our last, we divided up our 25 years of savings. Everyone received their registration money back and the remaining $4,000 was then divided amongst four charities. After the meeting ended, everyone said goodbye and headed home. Lots of hugs and a few tears later, we began our drive back to Denison, Iowa.
Our group has now disbanded but since we still want to stay in touch, our group has renamed itself: Post Polio Reunion. Plans are underway to continue to meet in other cities under that name. Going forward, there will be no speakers, no entertainment and no banquet. We will attend a reunion of like minded people who have become family over the last 25 years.
Photos courtesy of Jann Hartman