Synchronicity & The Stories of Two Septuagenerians

Mary McManus, motivational speaker, critically acclaimed author and poet, 2009 Boston Marathon finisher, polio and trauma survivor has wowed audiences and readers with her remarkable story of resilience, healing, hope and possibilities. Every day is a celebration of life for 70 year old Mary who refused to take the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome in December of 2006 sitting down. Her pen became her divining rod for healing harnessing the power of the mind/body connection  through poetry. She embarked on a journey that took her from taking a leap of faith, leaving behind her award-winning career as a VA social worker in May 2007, to the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon, and many adventures as a woman transformed through the sport of running.

After a major setback in her health and wellness journey in 2021/2022, Mary knew she had not come that far to only go that far. After a 6 year hiatus from participating in running events. Mary set the goal of the 2024 Bermuda 10K Walk to celebrate her 70th birthday and 17 years of healing in the wake of the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome. During her training runs, Mary used visualization to imagine her experience on race day. She consistently imagined pairing up with a walker or two at the back of the pack as a way to temper her nerves of being able to finish in the 2 and a half hour time limit.

When Mary and her husband Tom caught up with Marlene Rose Gamba, she knew that God was with her and her visualization was manifesting in physical reality. Although Mary’s race did not go as planned,  she was blessed with friends who became family!

Spoiler alert: She did go on to finish her unfinished business on May 4th which you will find in the Epilogue of "A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior."

 Mary holds a BS in Communications from Boston University, an MSW from Boston College and many fond memories of her veterans and their families from the VA close in her heart.

She lives in Chestnut Hill, MA with her husband of over 45 years and is the proud mother of twins, Ruth Anne and her brother Autumn. 

 In June of 2021, Marlene Rose Gamba came close to death after an emergency appendectomy that required 6 pints of blood, 4 pints of plasma, time in a trauma ICU where she was strapped up and in intense pain, a regular ICU, a regular room and 4 weeks in rehab. Her surgeon told her that what saved her life was being in great shape before the surgery. She entered rehab with a walker but had a dogged determination to regain all of her strength back in daily rehab. In Marlene’s words,  “I went from a walker to a cane and then transitioned to full strength.  Amazing how the brain works.  I had to retrain my brain to get back my muscle memory.”

Marlene retired from her job as a Principal in 2021. She was a principal for 20 years. It was difficult for her to leave a job she loved, but at 72, she needed to concentrate on her health. She became a part of Fit Body Forever,  a program for seniors 55 and over at Providence Fit Body Boot Camp specifically designed to help those 55 and over strengthen stamina with a special emphasis to address the signs of aging.

She always wanted to complete a 10K and she asked herself, why not do a 10k in Bermuda. She knew it would be difficult but she wanted to try. She prepared for the event with two coaches from the gym and another member from the over 55 class.

In Marlene’s words: “In January 2024 at the Bermuda 10 K, destiny put me right where I was supposed to be walking in a 10 K with a person that brought me back to life. Mary McManus’ courage and determination changed me forever. We helped each other and when she was unable to finish, at that moment I said, “  I have to finish.”  Yes,  at the most unexpected  times , “A hero comes along!”

The last mile was the most difficult and I wasn’t sure if there would be walkers and runners left. The motorcycle policeman monitoring the race kept checking on me. I promised him I would finish. He asked my name so he could let my daughter know I would finish and that they would keep the finish line open past the 2 hour 30 minutes.

When I made it to the stadium,  I saw my daughter at the entrance to the stadium … but  there at the finish line were Mary and  her husband cheering me on. They waited for me, I hugged them both and cried.  A moment I would never forget. God proved to me that there are angels walking on earth.”

Marlene Rose Gamba has been a lifelong Rhode Island resident. She graduated from Emerson College with degrees in English and Speech  Communication followed by a Masters Degree in Education from Rhode Island College with a Concentration as a Reading Consultant for grades K-12.  In 2001 she earned her Principal Certificate K-12 from Providence College. Marlene’s husband Jim, passed away in 2015. She is the proud mom of two daughters, Renee and Melody.

Please join Mary and Marlene, and their daughters Ruth Anne and Melody on 9/28 for an inspirational event for all ages! Providence Fit Body Boot Camp in partnership with Marathon Sports is proud to present:  Running With Health Challenges as Septuagenerians: Still Moving and Finishing Strong!              You'll hear first hand about their journeys of transformation that will uplift, motivate and inspire you to know what's possible despite all appearances to the contrary. Read more of the back story in my blog, "Running With Health Challenges as Septuagenerians: Still Moving and Finishing Strong."

--Enjoy a 15 minute workout led by a Providence Fit Body Boot Camp Coach

--Inspirational conversation with Mary and Marlene moderated by their daughters Melody Gamba and Ruth Anne McManus

--Book signing of Mary’s book, “A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior,” a selection of the WBZ NewsRadio Book Club
Order your copies on Amazon   I will also have books available for you to purchase.

***RSVP here: https://forms.gle/mxASGoEkfp2ny3ts5

Admission is Free!

Light refreshments & Raffle Prizes!
3 - $50 gift cards to Marathon Sports Providence
1 - $50 gift card to lululemon Providence
1 - $50 gift card to Rhode Runner
A pack of FlavaBars from FlavaNaturals
2 - autographed copies of Mary's Book
A special gift from Providence Fit Body Boot Camp-One week of free membership and (2) shaker cup/supplement sample
Free entry to Run Rhody's 10/27 Providence Monster Dash race

So excited to see you on 9/28 in Providence!

In health and wellness,

Mary

Visit my website to be inspired by my journey. May it ignite a spark within you to go farther than you ever believed you could. Be sure to visit the News and Events Page with links to podcast interviews, speaking engagements and where you can find my incredibly inspirational story. My interview with the amazing On the Runs podcast team of Erika Hamel and Eric Knuuttunen is Episode 56. Be sure to subscribe and download on your favorite podcast platform and subscribe to their YouTube channel.

On 9/28 I will be at Providence Fit Body Boot Camp for a book signing and inspirational conversation, "Running With Health Challenges as Septuagenerians: Still Moving and Finishing Strong." Details are on the News and Events  Page.

Proud to BU is a podcast highlighting the illustrious achievements of Boston University Alumni. Here is the link to my episode.

My books that pack powerful messages of healing, hope and possibilities are available on Amazon  My 7th book, "A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" is receiving rave reviews and is a selection of the WBZ News Radio Book Club.