5K Bob's Way!

 

At the Boston Marathon in 1975, Bob Hall pushed himself through the streets of Boston in a hospital wheelchair. No category existed for him. No rules. With the odds stacked against him, he crossed the finish line anyway. His story will give you goosebumps as told by the Today Show, "A Life Well Lived."

In doing so, he opened the door for every disabled athlete who would come after him.

I am one of those mobility impaired athletes who also shares a history of childhood paralytic polio with Bob. Were it not for Bob Hall's pioneering wheelchair Boston Marathon race in 1975, I would have never known the thrill, exhilaration and transformative experience of running the 2009 Boston Marathon as a mobility impaired runner. Although we never met in person, I was blessed to connect with him via email when he was celebrating the 50th anniversary of his pioneering Boston Marathon wheelchair win. I was able to express my heartfelt gratitude to him for paving the way for athletes of different abilities to be able to experience road racing. That's why I am participating in and fundraising for the Inaugural 5K Bob's Way.

Sadly, Bob passed away on April 12, 2026 before he was able to witness his inaugural team of Boston Marathon runners cross the finish line. They were running to raise funds and awareness for REquipment, Inc.

Bob believed in independence, dignity, and access for all. That belief lives on through the Bob Hall Legacy Fund benefiting REquipment, helping ensure that everyone has access to the mobility and assistive technology equipment they need to live fully and freely. Fifty years after Bob Hall became the first wheelchair athlete to officially complete the Boston Marathon, his legacy is powering a movement to expand mobility, independence, and access for people with disabilities across Massachusetts.

The First Annual 5K Bob's Way is taking place on 9/12th. We will be coming together as a community to honor the life and legacy of Bob Hall and support REquipment, Inc. "This event honors the legacy of Bob Hall, a trailblazing wheelchair athlete who changed the future of road racing and opened doors for adaptive athletes everywhere. His determination helped prove that movement, competition, and community belong to everyone. Today, we continue that legacy by creating a space where people of all abilities can run, walk, roll, and participate together.'

Funds raised through this event support accessibility initiatives, adaptive equipment reuse, and programs that empower individuals with disabilities to live with dignity, independence, and self-determination.Your support to my fundraising page will help provide life-changing refurbished mobility equipment to children, adults, veterans, and families who need it most.

Each year, hundreds of Massachusetts residents donate the home medical equipment and assistive technology they no longer use to REquipment. The devices are refurbished and reassigned to older adults and individuals with disabilities, including children and veterans. People who request devices have chronic or newly acquired disabilities, limited or no insurance, a temporary need for a device due to an accident or illness, or their primary device is under repair. Half of REquipment’s device recipients are under the age of 65.

I am incredibly grateful that I had insurance when I needed home medical equipment and assistive devices after I was diagnosed with Post-Polio Syndrome in December of 2006. Equipment necessary for independence, dignity and self-determination is not a luxury yet many do not have the necessary means to acquire the necessary equipment. Fortunately, REquipment is there to help!

I know how incredibly fortunate I am to have healed my life from the once devastating effects of childhood paralytic polio and trauma. I am so excited to be training for the 5K Bob's Way and ask for your support by making a donation to my fundraising page. You can also register for the event on the same page!

Let us honor Bob Hall's incredible legacy that goes beyond the finish line!
Thank you! See you at the starting line!

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.

My Trilogy of Transformation chronicles my journey from having been told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair with the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome, a progressive neuromuscular disease by Western Medicine standards to a woman transformed through the sport of running. Take a journey into a world of healing, hope and possibilities with my 7 books, available on Amazon. My 7th book, "A Most Unlikely Runner: Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" is a selection of the WBZ News Radio Book Club and Bill Rodgers Running Center Billy's Bookshelf: Recommended Reading for Every Runner. You will be inspired by my strength, courage, resilience, determination and overcoming the inevitable setbacks that come with a journey to health and wellness. 

What if the key to overcoming life's greatest challenges lies in the melodies that resonate with our souls? Join us in this heartfelt episode of the Music Saved Me Podcast, where hosts Lynn Hoffman and Buzz Knight dive deep into the transformative power of music with our inaugural contest winner, Mary McManus. Mary’s journey is a testament to the healing power of music, as she shares her inspiring story of resilience after contracting paralytic polio at a young age and navigating a tumultuous family environment. Listen to the episode by following this link.

Through her narrative, Mary McManus reveals how music became her sanctuary. A pivotal moment in her life came when her cousin, a Broadway producer, introduced her to the world of musical theater—a vibrant escape that ignited her passion and brought her immense joy. This episode explores the profound connection between music and emotional healing, showcasing how Mary McManus found solace in melodies during her toughest times and how they helped her forge connections with others

Listeners will be moved by Mary’s reflections on the influence of her high school music teacher and the supportive community she discovered in orchestral music. These experiences highlight the essence of music as therapy, illustrating its role in fostering emotional well-being and resilience. Mary’s journey culminates in her remarkable achievement of running the Boston Marathon, a testament to her indomitable spirit and the impact of music in her life.

Throughout this episode, we delve into the broader themes of music and mental health, exploring how independent musicians can harness their art to inspire and uplift. Mary’s story is not just about personal struggles; it’s a celebration of the healing power of music and its ability to connect us all. From emotional healing through music to the stories of musicians who have shaped our lives, this episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone seeking inspiration.

 Join us as we uncover the magic of music and its role in personal stories of triumph. Whether you’re a fan of the music history podcast genre or simply looking for a dose of motivation, this episode of the Music Saved Me Podcast promises to resonate deeply. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that underscores the importance of finding your voice and the transformative nature of music in navigating life's adversities. Don’t miss out on this heartfelt journey with Mary McManus, where we celebrate the stories that remind us all of the profound impact music has on our lives.

 Last year I was 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.

 

Reach out to me at maryamcmanus@gmail.com if you'd like me to speak to your organization or group to inspire them with what's possible despite all appearances to the contrary; how one finds strength, resilience and determination in the face of seemingly impossible odds.

 

 

Tipping the Pain Scale - Movie Review

 

How did my daughter Ruth Anne and I find our way to watching "Tipping the Pain Scale" at the Boston movie premier at the Boston Public Library on Monday evening? The journey began several years ago when a series of misdiagnoses and a broken behavioral health system resulted in 14 psychiatric hospitalizations including a suicide attempt in two years with intermittent periods of homelessness when it wasn't safe to have her live with my husband and me. Thanks to another documentary that a friend of mine scored, "My Kid is Not Crazy" I was able to figure out that my daughter was experiencing symptoms of PANS/PANDAS, an autoimmune condition that results in brain inflammation. The brain inflammation caused a traumatic brain injury but fortunately once the proper diagnosis was made, she began her journey back to life. The urinary tract infection was treated and I worked with her treatment team to get her on a regimen of medication to reduce inflammation and ease the psychiatric symptoms. I advocated for a referral for Occupational Therapy at Spaulding Rehab Hospital where she attended weekly sessions for two years to relearn basic skills of living.

Her first step back to the community was through volunteering at Victory Programs and their ReVision Urban Farm who have been opening doors to hope, health and housing since 1975. To regain her physical, emotional and spiritual health she started running again and last May crossed the finish line of the Providence Half Marathon raising $8000 for Victory Programs. On her 35th birthday this year, she saw how great the need is to raise more money and awareness for Victory Programs who are on the front lines of addressing the opioid, substance use disorder and mental health crisis actively involved at helping with individuals who were at Mass and Cass (one of the areas featured in the film). She set the goal to run three half marathons in October, March and May with a fundraising goal of $10,000.

We've been following the stories about the work being done in addressing the opioid and substance use epidemic and "Tipping the Pain Scale" kept popping up in our social media feeds. We watched the trailer that gave us goosebumps. We were excited when we saw that the movie would have its premier at the Boston Public Library.

Award Winning Director Jeff Reilly,  Producer Greg Williams and Executive Producer Tim Grant have woven together a tapestry of stories that will open your mind and your heart to see the opioid, substance use and mental health epidemic through the lens of compassion, community, connection and caring.  The documentary takes us on the journeys of those in recovery and those passionate about making a difference in the 'system' to save lives through legislation. The cinematography is exquisite with each frame carefully chosen to reflect the film's messages of dignity, hope, and compassion.

Did you ever wonder if one person can make a difference when a problem seems so pervasive and overwhelming? Just wait until you see the work of Roz Pichardo, Community Outreach Volunteer in Northeast Philadelphia and Boston Police Officer Josh De La Rosa gaining the trust of those struggling with substance use disorder. Roz calls the people she meets Sunshine and works to reverse overdoses, brings snacks, hydration and clean needles. Many might bristle at the thought of harm reduction as enabling, but as Jeff Reilly said in an interview on WBUR talking about "Tipping the Pain Scale",  "You meet the person where they are at, but you don't leave them there." Police Officer Josh De La Rosa gains trust by cutting hair. He learned how to cut hair because he thought he might need a way to support himself while serving time in jail given his struggles as a youth coming from a family of drug dealers. His compassion and connection with individuals struggling with homelessness and substance use goes beyond the badge and uniform he wears, yet he uses his role as a police officer to effect change in the lives of individuals one person at a time. Although Mario Chaparro is not a featured story, his recovery journey led him to becoming the Program Director at the Boston Public Health Commission's Engagement Center. He introduced the individuals at the Engagement Center to Josh by scheduling times for them to get haircuts. The Engagement Center provides a safe place for homeless individuals to go during the day. Talk about an innovative and creative approach to intervention.

"Tipping the Pain Scale" reminds everyone about the importance of every individual having dignity and the opportunity to heal and recover regardless of the diagnosis. As you can see in the trailer, former United States Surgeon General, Jerome M. Adams said in a testimony before Congress, "Stigma and judgment is keeping people with the disease of addiction from getting treatment and in my opinion, are killing more people than overdoses."  Washington State Representative Lauren Davis transforms the pain she experienced watching her dear friend Ricky almost die due to substance use disorder and mental health challenges into advocacy that led to "Ricky's Law" which allows doctors to section an individual to a psychiatric unit for substance use in the state of Washington.

Spoken Word Artist and Educator Joseph Green in long term recovery transformed his life through poetry. He now transforms the lives of others. Just wait until you see him working with students to nourish their souls and hearts as well as their minds. 

I shed many tears and experienced goosebumps revisiting the journey of Marty Walsh, former Boston Mayor, now Secretary of Labor who is the first person in recovery to serve in the Cabinet. My dad was a brilliant lawyer. During my teen age years, I pleaded with our family doctor to do something to help as I witnessed his physical and emotional deterioration, and violent behaviors escalate from alcohol abuse. I was told "Unless he realizes he has a problem and asks for help, there's nothing we can do."  My mother was addicted to prescription pain medication so it was up to me to try to take charge of the situation. My father ended his life on 8/1/1971 when I was 17 years old.  How wonderful to see Secretary Walsh's powerful story of hope and recovery.

NFL Pro Bowl Player Darren Waller openly shares his journey on the road to recovery and how he almost lost his brilliant career as a tight end. One of my favorite moments in the movie involves a Raider's fan in recovery. I promised myself I would limit any spoiler alerts!

The powerful messages of hope, redemption, possibilities, compassion and kindness stunningly portrayed in "Tipping the Pain Scale" is going to tip the scale in ending the opioid, substance use disorder and mental health crisis epidemic in this country.

As we were leaving the screening, Ruth Anne told me how moved she was by Brendan Little sharing how he once thought that his past was a stain on his record as he looked for work but then he realized it was an asset. As Ruth Anne set out on exploring job opportunities, she harbored a sense of shame about what happened to her especially given the diagnoses in her medical record. After seeing "Tipping the Pain Scale" she can own her strength, resilience and courage in having overcome her challenges and how she is using it now do good for others! She is fired up and excited for her fundraising campaign for Victory Programs. We experienced empowerment, healing, a lot of beautiful tears and new connections to a community of like-hearted individuals as we do our part to tip the scales of ending the epidemic.

For more information about Tipping the Pain Scale Scale, visit the website by following this link. 

You can donate to Ruth Anne's Another Year of Victory fundraiser by following this link.

From my heart to yours,
In health and wellness,
Mary

Be sure to visit my website at https://marymcmanus.com to learn about my journey to health and wellness in the wake of paralytic polio and trauma

Visit the News and Events tab to listen to my inspiring and uplifting interviews

My books to motivate, uplift and inspire you are available on Amazon