Dryden woman recognized for her work toward polio cause

    Many years later, when polio is much less of a threat, Carmen Bossenbrock was recognized for her effort spent toward the plague back in the 1950s. Bossenbrock is a Dryden woman who recently accepted the Rotary Polio Pioneer Award - an award that applauds a person who has demonstrated personal service to Polio Plus. The award was given Thursday, March 28 at the Red Lion in Wenatchee.
    "A very special person, and I wouldn't miss this for the world, is to honor Carmen," said Sherry Chamberlin, District 5060 (Wenatchee Rotary) Governor. "Carmen was the only physical therapist in North Central Washington, spending long days and nights treating polio victims."
    Bossenbrock joined Rotary back in 1987, making her the second woman to join the Wenatchee Rotary. She was contributing her time and help long before that though - she was a physical therapist back in the 50s before the decline of the disease with the popularity of its vaccine.
    "She helped organize and staff immunizations at the local shopping malls. She raises awareness for polio eradication efforts. And of course, donates to the cause," said Chamberlin.
    After her nurse days, she never wavered from the cause. Bossenbrock has sat on the Polio Plus Committee for over 20 years.
    "She remains a steadfast supporter of Polio Plus and actively participates in the club's Polio Day fundraiser and celebration," said Chamberlin.
    Not only did she devote hours to hands on treating patients, but also helped fund an avenue that ended up racking in $360,000 that was used to purchase physical therapy equipment for the hospital. This equipment was used to help treat polio survivors, among other things.
    "She has said Rotary must complete its mission and eradicate polio," said Chamberlin. "And she plans to stick around to see that day arrive."
    The rotary program to eradicate polio is one that is close to home - Dr. Ed Cadman, the man behind starting the Leavenworth Rotary Club, also is the one who initiated the polio program for the organization.
    Fighting for the polio cause is only an extension of the international nonprofit organization's good deeds.  
    "Thank you so much, this is a real honor," said Bossenbrock as she accepted her award. "I appreciate it with all my heart, thank you very much."