Showing posts with label inclusion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label inclusion. Show all posts

Sunday, June 1, 2025

Celebrating My Race-iversary!

 

 

 
Wait! What?? "Easy out Alper," the last pick in gym class, the one who was bullied, taunted and teased after contracting paralytic polio in 1959 found herself at the starting line of her first 5K race on June 1, 2008? 
You better believe it. Or maybe it's kind of hard to believe. In December of 2006, I was diagnosed with Post-Polio Syndrome. I'd been told to expect an accelerated decline in functioning as I aged and to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair! In February of 2007, I got still and asked for Divine Guidance. I knew I was at a crossroads in my life. I'd been told that, in order to try to stabilize the symptoms where they were,  I needed to quit my award-winning career as a VA social worker. I was in a toe-up leg brace using a cane and at times, a wheelchair for mobility. The prognosis was dire. It was the dark night of mind, body and soul BUT as I sat at my dining room table looking over the papers of "new age" teachers who in truth were touting ancient wisdom, I felt this urge to create overtake me. But create what? My career was coming to an end and my twins were grown. The poem, "Running the Race" flowed out of me.
 
I was curious. Why was I imagining myself winning a 10K race given the diagnosis and prognosis I received a few short months before writing that poem. Poetry flowed out of me as though a spigot was turned on in my soul. I was blessed to have a physical therapist and then a personal trainer who believed in the body's tremendous capacity to heal. My personal trainer, Janine believed in what Henry Ford said, "Whether you think you can or think you can't, you're right!" At first, Janine held the belief for both of us that I could get stronger, but as we worked together, with writing poetry and working as hard as I did after contracting paralytic polio to regain functioning, I experienced a connection to my body I'd not known before in my life.
 
In February of 2008, Janine asked me for my next goals. Without any thought, after listing the desire to feel free in my body, take a dance class, come out of my leg brace, diversify my workouts, I said, "Wait! I have one more goal!" With her hand on the door knob and her bag of equipment packed, she asked, "What's that?" "I want to run the Boston Marathon next year for Spaulding Rehab. I hear they have a Race for Rehab Team." She was totally non-plussed. She put down her things and out of all the things she could have said, she said, "Well. You are going to need a pair of running shoes!"
 
She recommended that we put races on our training schedule. The first race was the Corrib Pub 5K. You can see from the look on my face in the above photo that I was wondering what am I doing here and feeling a combination of nerves and excitement. I loved how I felt in my body when I ran. Janine took me from a walk/run teaching me that running is just like walking only faster. The first time I ran, my heart rate went up over 160! Janine helped me to train mind and body.
 
I had no idea of what to expect at the Corrib Pub 5K. It was my first exposure to what the running community is all about. Runners were incredibly friendly and talkative. I was shocked by their reaction to my story having only known jeers and taunts when it came to any athletic endeavors. Tom shared my story as we ran through the streets of West Roxbury. Spectators lined the course with hoses to cool down the runners.  I was running through sprinklers! I experienced a sense of joy, exhilaration and freedom that, up until those moments, existed only in my imagination when I wrote poetry. I may not have had the right gear or "looked like a runner" but the running community embraced me as one of their own!
 
The runners who we spoke with at the start of the race were at the finish line to cheer me on. It didn't matter that I ran slowly and had to walk part of the race, especially the hills. What mattered was that I had the courage to ditch a diagnosis and take on a monumental challenge despite never having run a day in my life. What a great first race experience and an introduction to a community that has become like family to me during these 17 years. 
 
This is what I looked like after doing something I'd never done before in my life; something I never dreamed I could or would do except in my imagination:
I will be forever grateful to Corrib Pub for having an all inclusive race culture as I celebrate my 17th Race-iversary. It got me off on the right foot on the road to the 2009 Boston Marathon.

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.

My books share a powerful message of healing, hope and possibilities; what's possible despite all appearances to the contrary and are available on Bookshop  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 Author Page on Amazon for rave reviews. 


 

Wednesday, July 31, 2024

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.

 


 

Tuesday, July 30, 2024

High Fives and Positive Vibes - Panda Posse 5K!

 

And the On the Runs podcast has brought many many amazing people into my life, like Maurice Lowman aka Marathon Panda. 

Before and after I was a guest on the On the Runs podcast, Ep 56, I became a huge fan of the pod tuning in every week. Episode 63 featured Maurice Lowman aka Marathon Panda. It was co-host Erika Hamel's birthday.  Maurice's birthday wish to Erika was filled with genuine, positive, infectious energy. I was riveted by his story that he shared with vulnerability, truth, honesty and integrity. Running and the running community saved his life. Maurice - Moe - Panda lives and breathes life with an attitude of gratitude. He had a vision for an all inclusive community run to bring runners together, to spread his message of hope, high fives, positivity and gratitude and to celebrate his outside run streak since 1/1/2016. You can do a google search and listen to his episode on the On the Runs podcast to learn more about who he is and how he is now a positivity and hope dealer.

I had emailed Marathon Sports Providence, the sponsor of the Panda Posse 5K to see if there was a time limit. While all paces would be warmly welcomed and there would be volunteers out on the course, I decided to do my virtual 5K and see what pace I could do as if I were racing. Moe's videos always fire me up to challenge myself to see what I can do. If you are on Instagram and don't already follow him, go to @marathonpandamaurice and you'll see what I'm talking about!

Saturday was a hot and humid day and while it's usually recommended to dial back the pace in the heat, something was fired up inside of me to see if I could break that elusive 1 hour mark  that I hadn't been able to break since I did the Virtual 5K First Run in 2023. Rather than look at my Garmin, I ran from the inside out remembering the words of my personal trainer when I trained for the 2009 Boston Marathon, "Let's see what this body can do." I was soaked with sweat and felt that delicious nausea that comes with an all out effort. Tom worked on Saturday and Ruth Anne was in the hospital. It was a solo run that gave me time and space to cleanse from the inside out! My time? 59:36 -- Age graded at 41:41.  Remember, for someone who was supposed to be in a wheelchair, I run pretty fast! I spent the afternoon resting and preparing for what I knew was going to be a spectacular Sunday event. I had no idea just how spectacular it was going to be!

We woke up at 6:00am to make sure we had plenty of time to find parking, find our way through the mall (we had a history of getting lost in Providence when Tom and Ruth Anne ran the Providence Half in 2022). There was no traffic and we found parking in the garage. But which way to go  to get to Marathon Sports? Fortunately we saw two runners with bibs who were kind enough to double back around and show us the way. Runners are like that...yeah they are.

What a joy to reunite with Maurice who I had met in person for the first time at the Boston Run Show in January. His Panda hug, his positivity and genuine gratitude for all who were there for the Panda Posse 5K warmed my heart and soul. His kindness and compassion pours from his every pore. Just look at that smile!

 

We went to the registration table where I got to meet Avery in person! She does the social media for Marathon Sports. We 'met' on line when she reached out to me to ask if they could use the photo and story for `A Full Circle Moment.'  I debated whether or not I should take our bibs since we weren't going to run. I decided to take them as souvenirs. After collecting our bibs and really amazing swag t-shirts, we headed to the start/finish line where the energy was all high fives and positive vibes.












We cheered on the runners and chatted with other members of the Marathon Sports marketing team who knew my story. We talked about the incredible turnout for this event and how Marathon Sports is dedicated to bringing community together. Their service to runners of all abilities and all ages extends far beyond the walls of their brick and mortar stores. We 'ran' into runner friends whom we have known through the years, made new friends finding out we had connections in common and enjoyed the camaraderie of the day. Maurice is a magnet who brings like-hearted people together.

I've known Charlie Breagy, Run Rhody race director extraordinaire through the years through Geoff Smith. Tom was wearing his Bermuda Half Marathon t-shirt that caught Charlie's eye as he finished the race. I'd know Charlie anywhere with his 6'+ stature. We chatted about his friendship with Geoff, (his record for the Bermuda 10K still stands), Run Rhody races and my running story. He thoroughly embraced my journey and said he'd like to share it with his network!

The Marathon Sports team really knows how to put on a premier event. At the finish line they had a jug filled with ice water with electrolytes and Gu Stroop Waffles. Back at the store there were refreshments with bagels, donuts and coffee, Burke Sports Rehab providing post-race massage and an opportunity to mix, mingle and shop. The staff provided outstanding customer service as I was looking for a birthday gift for Ruth Anne. My shopping was pleasantly interrupted when Melody Gamba arrived. She is the daughter of Marlene Gamba who I shared miles with at the Bermuda 10K at the back of the pack. We networked with store manager, Sean Duncan and the marketing team to build a relationship between Marathon Sports and Providence Fit Body Boot Camp! We talked about community, collaboration, health, wellness and senior wellness along with Sean's passion, purpose and mission in his role as Marathon Sports manager.

Our conversation was interrupted by Jess (Director of Marketing) and Avery's announcement that it was time for the raffle. I was thinking, "Oh I missed out. I didn't get a raffle ticket" when they said that it was based on bib numbers. 

"The first prize is for a pair of Oofos. It's bib #64!"

"That's me. I left the bibs in the car. Do you want me to go get it?"

"No. You're fine. Congratulations!"

I turned to Melody and Sean and shared with them how Ruth Anne loves Oofos and we were debating about whether or not to get her a pair for her birthday. We decided to pass for now since we'd already bought other gifts and they are pricey (but of course well worth it!) Avery, Sean and Melody helped me choose just the right pair and size as Melody took a photo:


 


As the after party wound down, we exchanged hugs, high fives and gratitude for a sensational Sunday morning celebrating hope, recovery, the power of community and positivity as the Panda Posse will continue to grow!





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.

Wednesday, May 1, 2024

The Boston Outdoor Expo - Day 2

Before the doors even opened to the second day of The Boston Outdoor Expo, the energy was electric fueled by the very presence of Rudy Reyes who was set to the take the Inspiration Stage to set the tone for an amazing day!
After the traditional queue giveaway, the Ambassadors for the Expo gathered for the ribbon cutting ceremony. I spotted Scott Jurek who said, before I could remind him of who I was and our meeting at The Boston Run Show, "I owe you an email!" I wrote to him about the upcoming release of my 7th book and asked if he would write a review. I presented him with an Author Copy and in true fan girling fashion tripped over my words saying, "Well if you get a chance to read it..." "Of course I'll read it," Scott replied.
 
After the ribbon cutting ceremony, I walked with Scott into the Expo and asked him for a photo. He said, "Of course. Let's take it with the book." He asked USA Marketing Director Chloe Hyland to take the photo which she eagerly and graciously agreed to take.



CEO of Raccoon Media Group Mike Seaman passed by and said, "Oh I see you're hanging with my buddy Scott." He gave me a big smile and a hug.










I headed to the Inspiration Stage where Dave Fatula was welcoming everybody to Day 2 of the Expo before introducing Rudy Reyes. He lit up the Convention Center with his infectious energy while also sharing his powerful and poignant story. Dave was a wonderful facilitator drawing out the highlights of Rudy's experiences and work both past and present. We were treated to an impromptu sharing of the YouTube video about the organization he founded, Force Blue Team that helps vets help the planet. I had goosebumps all over when Rudy shared how the organization brings in kids from Gold Star Families into the program. With warmth, wit, grit, vulnerability and honesty, Rudy captured the hearts of all in attendance.
Rudy took time to answer questions and to do a meet greet posing for photos, answering questions and offering support and guidance to the vets and their spouses in attendance. What a privilege and honor it was for me to take the photos and be privy to these tender conversations.

One of the themes for The Boston Outdoor Expo weekend was about the importance of representation. When we don't see someone like ourselves in an activity, we are hesitant to venture out and stake our claim to participate. But Kimber Cross would not let a limb difference stop her from becoming an adaptive ice climber and mountaineer. With her clear eyes and strong voice, she shared her journey with a combination of humility, humor and passion. Her motto is "I Can't. I Will. I Did." She reminded us that this cycle is not a once and done but can repeat as we challenge ourselves with different endeavors.

What a blessing to meet her, take photos for the meet and greet and share my journey. I told her that after a particularly challenging training run on the road to the 2009 Boston Marathon, my personal trainer told me to google Wilma Rudolph. I found my role model and strength to take on the Boston Marathon after reading her story. We talked about what a blessing she is to the children she teaches; how their lessons go far beyond learning the ABC's and extend to learning about life! 

I walked around the Expo after feeling incredibly inspired by Rudy and Kimber. The Boston Outdoor Expo promised over 120 brands, features and inspirational speakers all under one roof. They delivered! Two of my highlights were meeting Dan Minnich, founder of Waypoint Adventure. I started following them on Instagram after hearing about them from the Expo promos. Dan's passion for inclusion was evident as he shared his why for starting Waypoint Adventure. As one who has lived with different ability, I know how vital it is to provide opportunities for exploration of the great outdoors. What a great connection!

The Boston Harbor Islands had a booth depicting the natural beauty of the Islands. They are offering free ferry service the weekend of May 18-19 to Spectacle Island where I ran my first trail race several years ago. I am so excited to return there this year and take advantage of the great outdoors that is practically in my backyard. 

It was time to return to the Inspiration Stage for Scott Jurek. Although described as a living legend, Scott will be the first to say that he does not think of himself as a celebrity! He was quite surprised when somebody recognized him in an airport while he was wearing a mask. Dave and Scott engaged in a conversation that was quite different than having Scott talk about his previous achievements. Scott talked about how the everyday person can make their own adventure in a way that challenges the individual. He is emphatic that testing fortitude leads to transformation and developing confidence. He encouraged us all to keep our fire lit and fuel our passion.


Scott believes it is vital for us to feel alive like a kid when we plan our adventures from urban adventuring to more daring adventures that extend to over nights. He often gets asked "what's next for Scott Jurek?" He off-handedly said that he still has a few speed records in him. His eyes sparkled when he said how much joy he experiences being a sighted guide for runners. 

What an incredible way to end two days of inspiration, exploration, education, meeting up with old friends and making new connections. Scott's comment about feeling as though he's not a celebrity gave me pause. I wrote to him in a follow up thank you email, all of us who are out there spreading powerful messages of possibility, living by example and creating change in the world are celebrities in our own right! 

Thank you The Boston Outdoor Expo for a wonder filled weekend. Until next Spring when you join with The Boston Run Show for what is sure to be an epic weekend!
 
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

***COMING MAY 25, 2024***  "A Most Unlikely Runner: Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" Book Release Party 6/3  7-8pm at Livite Brookline in Washington Square






Reflections on World Polio Day

    Saturday was World Polio Day and in December, I celebrate 20 years of healing after the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome with its dire p...