The Heart of a Champion

 

As Tom and I got ready for last Saturday's 5.5 miler on the Road to the Hyannis Marathon Weekend 10K, I wondered to myself, "What is stoking the flames of this training cycle? After all, I'll be 72 on Christmas Day and have absolutely nothing to prove. Why am I doing this and where does my motivation come from?" 

 

Daniel Pollack-Pelzner, the author of the captivating book, 'Lin-Manuel Miranda: The Education of an Artist' posted a prompt on Instagram asking us to consider who was our Ms. Ames; one of Lin's most influential mentors. I shared my Joe Stetz story.  I had contracted paralytic polio at age 5. My first day camp experience was horrible. Fortunately, my rehab medicine doctor, Dr. Moskowitz, suggested my parents send me to Badger Day Camp known for their philosophy of inclusion and premier swimming program. They even held an end of year Olympics. The first year I went was wonderful. The counselors were supportive and emphasized my strengths rather than my limitations. I sat out the end of year Olympics. Towards the end of my second summer at Badger, my swimming counselor, Joe Stetz, with the dark hair, wide smile and soulful brown eyes, standing at the far left of the Olympic contenders in the above photo, asked me to compete in the end of year Olympics. I thought he must have been talking to someone else. He wanted me to compete in of all strokes - the Butterfly! There were only two other campers willing to compete in the Butterfly. They needed at least 3 campers to compete or there would be no event. I was guaranteed a place on the podium. 

 

Joe kept his promise that he would work with me one on one supporting me as I overcame my fears and physical limitations. On the day of the Olympics, he reminded me to swim my own race at my own pace. "Don't look at the other swimmers. It doesn't matter that you might finish last, you are a champion by stepping up to the starting block and finding the courage to overcome your challenges." When I finished long after the other two competitors, he extended a hand to me as I got out of the pool. He walked me to the podium and proudly looked on as I received my Bronze 3rd place plaque.  His words and actions stayed with me during these past 61 years. When I was diagnosed with Post-Polio Syndrome in December 2006, I once again felt his presence. Despite having been told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair and expect an accelerated decline in functioning as I aged, I took on the 2009 Boston Marathon. Whenever I faced a setback, I called upon what Joe instilled in me to have a strong come back. You can learn more about Joe and his extraordinary life in my blog post, "A Penny From Heaven."

 

This week's training cycle theme has been the heart of a champion.

 

Saturday was a spectacular end of September day. Seeing the seagulls glide effortlessly as they landed on the water reminded me of how free I felt in the water and freedom I feel when I am out on a training run. I knew there was a race happening in South Boston on Saturday and suggested Tom bypass the probable road closure. Instead, we ended up taking a detour dictated by the road closure. "I wish you would have listened to me," I said. "I wish you'd listen to me," Tom said as he pulled into a parking space.

"Watch this," he said. It's always a great idea to mix up training run routes. We enjoyed the new route that eventually took us back along the beaches.

 

The new route finished in an uphill like the finisher's chute in Hyannis. We visualized how we would feel coming into the finish line. I stretched at the car. As we build the miles, I can feel the pain that accompanies any training cycle. As I told my personal trainer when I first set out on this journey to health and wellness, I'd rather experience pain on the side of health and wellness rather than the pain of atrophy, decline and disuse. 

 

After our Sunday rest and recovery day, we woke up on Monday to our 6am alarm that now goes off in the dark. After meditation, we put on our water belts and head out the door. What a gift to see the dawn of a new day. What joy to rise, shine and run and be kissed by the light of the new day's sun. The cadence of Dr. Seuss is imprinted in my heart and soul thanks to Miss Holly, my physical therapist who tenderly ministered to me after I contracted paralytic polio. She'd have me recite Dr. Seuss in tandem with her to distract me from the pain of coaxing muscles and nerves back to health; a healer ahead of her time.

 

Tuesday was strength training day for this champion and Tom, my life and training partner. We set the alarm for 6:30, meditated and cranked up the playlist. Cooler air means open windows and no a/c but we still worked up a good sweat. 

 

 Wednesday was another rest and recovery day that included a lot of stretching and rolling out with foot roller and ball. I savor these new yet very familiar sensations in my body as we build a solid foundation.

 

Thursday was the first taste of October and Fall. Capris and layering for tops were perfect. I felt a powerful connection to Source seeing the sun rise and the dawn of a new day. My heart overflowed with gratitude for this sacred time with Tom, unplugged, out in nature knowing how fortunate we are to be doing this.

 

The magical magnificent morning miles were exhilarating. We even did negative splits. Hot oatmeal, toast, a banana and cold OJ tasted so delicious as we wrapped up another week in our training cycle. I am feeling strong, resilient, blessed and grateful, and determined to go the distance having the best time with my heart of a champion leading me each mile along the way.

 

In health and wellness - Mary

Visit my website to learn how poetry, optimism, gratitude and the mind/body connection helped me to transform my life. After having been told in December 2006 that I should prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair, I went on to cross the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon and have many adventures as runnergirl 1953. Be sure to visit the recently updated News and Events Page for links to podcast interviews, speaking engagements and where you can find my incredibly inspirational story.

I was recently the guest on The Optimism Institute Blue Sky Podcast. 
"Mary McManus has never had it easy. As a kindergartner, she was a victim of polio just a short time before the vaccine was introduced. She also faced trauma in her home life but somehow managed to persevere and overcome these and still more obstacles throughout her life. Today, Mary is an inspiring author, poet, motivational speaker, and finisher of the Boston Marathon." Here is the link to the Episode Website. Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and on YouTube.

 

Looking for great books to curl up with this Fall? My books share a powerful message of healing, hope and possibilities; what's possible despite all appearances to the contrary and are available on Amazon.  My 6th book, "Into the Light:Emerging From the 2020 Pandemic" and my 7th book, "A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" are selections of the WBZ News Radio Book Club. "Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" is also a selection Bill Rodgers Running Center Billy's Bookshelf: Recommended Reads for Every Runner. Visit my Amazon Author Page for book descriptions and rave reviews.

 

 

 

Badger Day Camp - End of Summer Olympics

 

In June of 1959, at the tender age of 5 1/2 years old, my life came to a screeching halt. I was dancing around the gym in kindergarten class when I collapsed to the ground. It was polio in one of the last polio epidemics in the US. I was blessed to have Miss Holly, an earth angel of a physical therapist and Dr. Moskowitz who specialized in the rehabilitation of polio patients. There was no disability awareness back then. My first summer camp experience was as traumatic as school was for me when it came to any kind of sports activities. Dr. Moskowitz suggested I attend Badger Day Camp. Dr. Moskowitz believed that swimming in an Olympic size swimming pool with swim times twice a day along with the caring and compassionate leadership of Ruth and John Collins, it would be the perfect environment for me to heal and thrive in the wake of contracting paralytic polio.

I flourished during my first season there and was eager to return for a second season. The counselors and fellow campers were a healing balm to the abuse I experienced at home and the taunting and teasing I experienced at school. One of my swimming counselors, Joe Stetz, invited me to  participate in the end of summer camp Olympics (that they continue to have 60 years later) in of all strokes, the Butterfly stroke! There were only two other campers who were willing to compete in the Butterfly and I was guaranteed a place on the  podium regardless of how long it would take for me to finish. I told him I was terrified of jumping off of the starting block and was challenged with turns at the wall. He knew of my history of polio but that didn't stop him from becoming my mentor getting me ready for the Olympics. 

Here is a photo of Joe with John Collins, John Snooks, and Richard Tangeman posing at the Badger pool after breaking the American Record in the 4x100yard Medley Relay in 1962 🇺🇸!

How could I possibly have refused Joe with his strength, compassion, warm smile and deep soulful brown eyes! He was true to his word and worked with me to make sure I'd have the confidence I needed to go out in my lane swimming with heart as fast as my physically challenged body would take me. He told me to not look to my right or my left but stay in my lane and go as fast as I could. He knew how much courage it took for me to get to the starting block. He extended his hand to me when I touched the wall and walked with me to the podium where I received a bronze plaque for my effort.

On the last day of camp, he gave me a warm hug and wanted me to stay in touch with him. He was giving up a bid to compete in the summer Olympics in the Butterfly to pursue a career in medicine. We lost touch through the years but the imprint he left on my heart and soul has remained with me. I know that the experience I had at Badger enabled me to take on the challenge of the 2009 Boston Marathon in the wake of the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome. As a VA social worker, we often read the Death Notices in the Boston Globe to see if our veterans had made their transition. Imagine my shock when, in December of 2004, I saw his Death Notice.

I did a google search to learn more about the incredible life of the man who helped me navigate the turbulent waters of my childhood.  I was stunned to discover that we worked at St. Elizabeth's Medical Center at the same time when I worked as a social worker on the inpatient geriatric psychiatric unit.

From the Special Forces Association Tribute:

In 1971, Dr. Joseph J. Stetz, Jr.  was drafted by the Army as part of the Berry Plan, which utilized young physicians and surgeons who had just completed residencies. Captain (Dr) Stetz was stationed in Okinawa, Japan, and his two daughters were born there in 1972 and 1973.  He completed a Basic Airborne Course conducted in Okinawa.  In 1973, he returned to the United States and was stationed at Cutler Army Hospital, Fort Devens, MA.  After completing his Active Duty obligation, Major Stetz joined the RI Army National Guard (that desperately needed doctors) on one condition: he would be attached to Special Forces.  Joe attended weekend training assemblies and Annual Training with SF in addition to fulfilling the requirements of RIARNG State Surgeon.  Joe also became qualified as a Flight Surgeon.  He would quietly remain in the background during SF operations.  However, when SF soldiers were injured, he would immediately come to their aid.  Joe would accompany them to the ER and take charge of their care.  Colonel (Dr) Joseph J. Stetz, Jr. retired after 30 years of service.  Joe was a Charter Member (D3819) of Chapter 48, SFA.

From the Boston Globe Obituary:

Dr. Joseph J. Stetz Jr. of Lexington, who picked medical school over a chance to compete in the Olympic swimming trials, was a man of few words except when it came to medicine.  The former surgeon, who wore cowboy boots and was known to give hugs to patients, died Saturday at Boston Medical Center at age 62. He died 12 hours after he was in a single-car accident in Lexington. A family member said he died after his blood pressure dropped.

"He was an old-school doctor who didn't mind giving patients a much-needed hug," said Bernadette Trenholm, Dr. Stetz's personal administrator and close friend. "Appointments were always as long as they needed to be with him. If the patients needed two hours, Dr. Stetz would give them two hours."  Dr. Stetz was a cardiothoracic surgeon at St. Elizabeth's Medical Center in Brighton for two decades until his retirement in October.

Dr. Stetz grew up in Manhattan and spent a lot of time swimming; his father was a swim coach. Dr. Stetz swam competitively at Harvard University and qualified for the 1964 Summer Olympic trials while a student. But Dr. Stetz, a butterfly specialist, faced tremendous family pressure to go to medical school and chose medicine over an Olympic bid. He received his medical degree from the SUNY Health Science Center at Brooklyn in 1968. In 1967 he married Estelle Manetas.  He spent many Thanksgivings and holidays working. "He had no problem staying up till 2 a.m. at the patient's bedside," Trenholm said. "There were times that he would perform three open heart surgeries a day, and up to 600 a year."

Medical textbooks and magazines took up a great deal of space in his Lexington home. "He was an avid reader," his daughter Jessica said. "He kept every magazine, every book, and every article."  Jessica, of Brooklyn, works in emergency medicine at SUNY Health Science Center at Brooklyn, her father's alma mater.  "He was extremely dedicated to his work and had a huge desire to always read and learn more," Jessica said. "Medicine is something we bonded over."

Dr. Stetz's other daughter, Rebecca of Oxford, England, has a doctorate in chemistry and works at Oxford University.Dr. Stetz was interested in the outdoors. He had a Stetson hat and several pairs of cowboy boots. He loved riding Sassy, his horse of 15 years, and dreamed of moving to Montana, his daughter Jessica said. Until recently, Dr. Stetz rode his horse several times a week. In addition to his daughters and former wife, Dr. Stetz leaves a granddaughter, Julia."

Fast forward to the starting line of the 2017 Bermuda 10K. I was waiting for Tom to begin his race. As spectators often do, we struck up a conversation. She was a nurse who was scoping out the race as part of a medical preparedness team.

"Where are you from?" I asked.

"We live not far from Boston," she replied.

 "Oh interesting. May I ask where you work?" (I had no idea why I asked her that question!)

 "I work at St. Elizabeth's."

 My breath caught. She mentioned she'd been there for many years.

"By any chance did you know Dr. Joe Stetz?" I  inquired.

"I sure did!," and she went on to ask me about how I knew him.

We shared stories and our eyes filled with tears. She told me that Joe injured his hand changing the oil in his car and was devastated that he could no longer practice surgery. She shared that he was looking forward to retirement having time to read books, enjoy his grandchild and ride horses. The gun went off and we went our separate ways but not before I felt goosebumps from head to toe remembering Joe.

I know Joe was with me when I ran Boston and has been with me during all of my adventures as a most unlikely runner. He instilled within me the heart of a champion and taught me to never be afraid to finish last. At the tender age of 10 years old, I learned that despite all appearances to the contrary, I could exceed what I perceived to be my limitations and overcome my fears. But I did not do it alone. As Wilma Rudolph, polio survivor and Gold medal Olympian said, "No matter what accomplishments we make, somebody helps us."

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.

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.

 

 

The Bannister Effect: It Always Seems Impossible Until It's Done!

 

Before Roger Bannister broke the 4 minute mile in 1954, everyone believed it was not possible. After he broke the 4 minute mile, others believed it was possible and were able to break his record. The current record for a man in the mile is 3:43. It's called "The Bannister Effect";  the idea that a seemingly foreboding achievement can be duplicated by many others once one person shows it is possible.

This quote from Dr. Joe Dispenza popped up in my social media feed: "Every time someone heals themselves, they are breaking a belief system about what was once thought impossible." I was told to prepare for life in a wheelchair and an accelerated decline as I aged. The Western Medicine view was that if you use it you lose it, not taking into account the body's tremendous capacity to heal and neuroplasticity. I was able to harness the power of the mind/body connection through writing poetry visualizing myself as healthy, whole and healed. Despite all the literature to the contrary about Post-Polio Syndrome, I went on to run the 2009 Boston Marathon and have many adventures as runnergirl 1953!

After a serious knee injury in December of 2014, I was told to stop running or cap my distance at a 5K; that I should never have started running in the first place. I would need a total knee replacement in a few years. Shredded cartilage, bone spurs, degenerative changes from arthritis, "Oh and the gastroc muscle on the left leg is atrophied from the initial polio virus. There's nothing we an do about that." The Universe led me to a chiropractor who turned me on to Dr. Joe's work. With chiropractic, visualization, meditation, a new strength training regimen, KT tape and a powerful belief that I would and could continue to heal, I grew a new gastroc muscle, dissolved bone spurs, grew new cartilage and went on to run 3 Bermuda Half Marathons in 2016, 2017 and 2018!

Another setback in 2021/2022 led to another comeback that I chronicle in my 7th book, "A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" now available on Amazon. 

And speaking of seeming impossible -- Celine Dion was experiencing a strange array of neurological symptoms. She thought maybe it was all in her head and doctors were at first stymied by her symptoms that took away her ability to sing. She was finally diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder called, "Stiff Person's Syndrome." It's called a chronic and progressive neurological disease. Who tuned into the Olympics or saw the video gone viral about her performance?

 With medication, intensive therapies and an indomitable Spirit, she performed again!

Others who may have been diagnosed with Stiff Person's Syndrome now have hope! People who have been diagnosed with "chronic and progressive" conditions now see what's possible and have hope that with hard work, the best that allopathic and homeopathic therapies have to offer, the power of belief in the body's tremendous capacity to heal when harnessing the mind/body connection, it's all so possible. It always seems impossible until it's done, but miracles happen when we bear witness to what IS possible despite all appearances or beliefs to the contrary!

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.

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.

A Penny From Heaven

Yesterday after breakfast, I looked down on the dining room floor. There was a penny! I've found pennies and other change on runs before and during the pandemic, found a nickel on the mattress but I have never found a penny in the middle of the floor. Earlier this week, a Facebook memory popped up about Joe Stetz who was my swimming camp counselor at Badger Day Camp:

He is on the far left with dark hair, the warmest smile you could ever imagine and soulful brown eyes.

There was a notification on Facebook from the Badger Day Camp page saying they would be going live yesterday for the end of camp show. I felt goosebumps as I saw the photo of the Olympic size pool where I competed in the end of camp Olympics and smiled with tears in my eyes as the campers rocked out to different songs. I remembered that I was once part of this incredible community where I met a man who instilled in me the heart of a champion and helping me to believe I could achieve anything.

The penny was dated 2008; the year I started training to run the 2009 Boston Marathon!

 Joe was my swimming counselor when I attended Badger Day Camp. When I was 10 years old, after two failed camp experiences, my physiatrist who was helping me recover from polio, suggested I go to Badger Day Camp because they focused on swimming and opened their hearts to all abilities. Joe was on track to become a competitor in the 1964 Olympics in the Butterfly but instead he chose to become a physician.

There were only 2 other campers competing in the end of Camp Olympics in the butterfly and Joe, with his soulful brown eyes told me that I needed to be the third competitor. I was guaranteed a place on the medal stand. I couldn't believe that he wanted me to compete. I told him all of my fears while not revealing what was happening in my home life enduring sexual abuse at the hands of my father, but focusing on the effects of paralytic polio. He told me he would work with me one on one to conquer my fears. After I came in third place, long after the other two swimmers finished their races, he lovingly extended a hand to me to help me out of the pool. He walked with me to the medal stand where I received a bronze plaque for 3rd place. He believed in me as a father would and nourished my abilities. I drew from what he taught me after the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome when I decided to run the 2009 Boston Marathon despite all the odds. His last day of camp hug left a lasting imprint on my heart and soul. We wrote letters back and forth to each other while he was in med school. Life went on until I discovered his Death Notice in the Boston Globe in December of 2004.

I did a google search to learn more about the incredible life of the man who helped me navigate the turbulent waters of my childhood.  I was stunned to discover that we worked at St. Elizabeth's Medical Center at the same time when I worked as a social worker on the inpatient geriatric psychiatric unit.

From the Special Forces Association Tribute:

In 1971, Dr. Joseph J. Stetz, Jr.  was drafted by the Army as part of the Berry Plan, which utilized young physicians and surgeons who had just completed residencies. Captain (Dr) Stetz was stationed in Okinawa, Japan, and his two daughters were born there in 1972 and 1973.  He completed a Basic Airborne Course conducted in Okinawa.  In 1973, he returned to the United States and was stationed at Cutler Army Hospital, Fort Devens, MA.  After completing his Active Duty obligation, Major Stetz joined the RI Army National Guard (that desperately needed doctors) on one condition: he would be attached to Special Forces.  Joe attended weekend training assemblies and Annual Training with SF in addition to fulfilling the requirements of RIARNG State Surgeon.  Joe also became qualified as a Flight Surgeon.  He would quietly remain in the background during SF operations.  However, when SF soldiers were injured, he would immediately come to their aid.  Joe would accompany them to the ER and take charge of their care.  Colonel (Dr) Joseph J. Stetz, Jr. retired after 30 years of service.  Joe was a Charter Member (D3819) of Chapter 48, SFA.

From the Boston Globe Obituary:

Dr. Joseph J. Stetz Jr. of Lexington, who picked medical school over a chance to compete in the Olympic swimming trials, was a man of few words except when it came to medicine.  The former surgeon, who wore cowboy boots and was known to give hugs to patients, died Saturday at Boston Medical Center at age 62. He died 12 hours after he was in a single-car accident in Lexington. A family member said he died after his blood pressure dropped.

"He was an old-school doctor who didn't mind giving patients a much-needed hug," said Bernadette Trenholm, Dr. Stetz's personal administrator and close friend. "Appointments were always as long as they needed to be with him. If the patients needed two hours, Dr. Stetz would give them two hours."  Dr. Stetz was a cardiothoracic surgeon at St. Elizabeth's Medical Center in Brighton for two decades until his retirement in October.

Dr. Stetz grew up in Manhattan and spent a lot of time swimming; his father was a swim coach. Dr. Stetz swam competitively at Harvard University and qualified for the 1964 Summer Olympic trials while a student. But Dr. Stetz, a butterfly specialist, faced tremendous family pressure to go to medical school and chose medicine over an Olympic bid. He received his medical degree from the SUNY Health Science Center at Brooklyn in 1968. In 1967 he married Estelle Manetas.  He spent many Thanksgivings and holidays working. "He had no problem staying up till 2 a.m. at the patient's bedside," Trenholm said. "There were times that he would perform three open heart surgeries a day, and up to 600 a year."

Medical textbooks and magazines took up a great deal of space in his Lexington home. "He was an avid reader," his daughter Jessica said. "He kept every magazine, every book, and every article."  Jessica, of Brooklyn, works in emergency medicine at SUNY Health Science Center at Brooklyn, her father's alma mater.  "He was extremely dedicated to his work and had a huge desire to always read and learn more," Jessica said. "Medicine is something we bonded over."

Dr. Stetz's other daughter, Rebecca of Oxford, England, has a doctorate in chemistry and works at Oxford University.Dr. Stetz was interested in the outdoors. He had a Stetson hat and several pairs of cowboy boots. He loved riding Sassy, his horse of 15 years, and dreamed of moving to Montana, his daughter Jessica said. Until recently, Dr. Stetz rode his horse several times a week. In addition to his daughters and former wife, Dr. Stetz leaves a granddaughter, Julia."

Fast forward to the starting line of the 2017 Bermuda 10K. I was waiting for Tom to begin his race. As spectators often do, we struck up a conversation. She was a nurse who was scoping out the race as part of a medical preparedness team.

"Where are you from?" I asked.

"We live not far from Boston," she replied.

 "Oh interesting. May I ask where you work?" (I have no idea why I asked her that question!)

 "I work at St. Elizabeth's."

 My breath caught. She mentioned she'd been there for many years.

"By any chance did you know Dr. Joe Stetz?" I  inquired.

"I sure did!," and she went on to ask me about how I knew him.

We shared stories and our eyes filled with tears. She told me that Joe injured his hand changing the oil in his car and was devastated that he could no longer practice surgery. She shared that he was looking forward to retirement having time to read books, enjoy his grandchild and ride horses. The gun went off and we went our separate ways but not before I felt goosebumps from head to toe remembering Joe.

I know Joe sent me that penny yesterday to remind me of how one person can make such a difference in the lives of another through kindness, compassion and sharing their talents and treasures. He wanted me to share the story with each of you so that if you have the opportunity to make a difference in someone's life - do it! And if someone has touched your life, reflect and remember with heartfelt gratitude. Even though their physical presence may be gone, their love and care lives on forever.

 
 

 

 From my heart to yours--

 

In health and wellness - Mary

Visit my website to learn how poetry, optimism, gratitude and the mind/body connection helped me to transform my life. After having been told in December 2006 that I should prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair, I went on to cross the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon and have many adventures as runnergirl 1953. Be sure to visit the recently updated News and Events Page for links to podcast interviews, speaking engagements and where you can find my incredibly inspirational story.

Be sure to visit my Author Page on Amazon. My books share a powerful message of healing, hope and possibilities; what's possible despite all appearances to the contrary.   My 7th book, "A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" is receiving rave reviews. It's a selection of the WBZ News Radio Book Club  and Bill Rodgers Running Center Billy's Bookshelf: Recommended Reads for Every Runner.