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 prognosis of preparing to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair and expect an accelerated decline in functioning as I aged. I've been inspired to celebrate my journey as one who contracted paralytic polio as a child and to share the wisdom I garnered along the way. 

Tom and I had the most magnificent morning miles amidst Autumn splendor. I am so deeply grateful that my scrappy and determined self refused to take the diagnosis and prognosis of Post-Polio Syndrome sitting down. I've often said that I felt as though my nose was pressed against the window pane of life watching life pass me by. With limited mobility from polio complicated by enduring years of abuse at the hands of family members, I did not feel free in my body to enjoy the changing seasons up close and personal. The Reservoir was serene and calm. We savored the experience of the warm sun on our faces.  

My story of polio has quite a different outcome than most. I am honored and blessed to share my journey to becoming a most unlikely runner after the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome. I went from a toe-up leg brace and using a wheelchair at times for mobility to the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon and beyond! In February of 2007, I got still and asked for Divine Guidance. I discovered the healing power of poetry. The first poem I wrote, "Running the Race" foreshadowed my 2009 Boston Marathon run.

Running the Race   

Early summer 1959 my kindergarten year
everyone around me filled with nervous fear.
Despite the Salk vaccine hope polio would disappear
the polio virus crept right up and knocked me in the rear.

Dancing all around the gym feeling free just like a bird
I dropped to the ground just like a stone and no one said a word.
The pain it was so searing-the diagnosis even worse
“It’s polio” the doctor said…he was abrupt and terse.

Called one of the ‘lucky ones’ I had a ‘mild case’
but with the other athletes I could never keep their pace.
Miss Holly physical therapist, curly hair and a warm, broad smile
it tempered the pain of being apart – to walk I’d take awhile.

I always wore those ‘special’ shoes the kids they poked and teased
with no support and much abuse with childhood I wasn’t pleased.
But put nose to the grindstone and learned all that I could
I couldn’t kick a ball but my grades were always good.

Years went by and no more thought to polio did I give
I accepted the limp, everything else and decided my life I would live.
But symptoms of weakness and muscle pain did grow
I kept a stoic face hoping no one else would know.

Life no longer was my own I struggled through each day
suffered in silence, alone and afraid tried to keep depression at bay.
And with the grace of glorious God my world it opened wide
I discovered there was a Post Polio team and they were on my side. 

Sought out paths for healing and my spirit flew free
for the first time in life, I could truly be me.
The chains are gone and possibilities abound
I’m a tree with my roots planted firmly in ground.

Using wheelchair to travel, set limits on what I could do
resulted in joy to realize I could live life anew.
Celebrated my body-creaks, groans and need for a brace
while in my mind I focused on winning a 10K race.

I’m now off the sidelines, no need to sit and whine
so much gratitude fills my heart and love and beauty shine.
After all these years I can join the loving human race
I exceed all expectations and now I set the pace.

 On the road to the 2009 Boston Marathon, I tested my mind, body and soul in every imaginable way. The running community welcomed me with open arms; quite the contrast to the jeers, taunts and teasing I experienced from my peers while lugging a full metal leg brace or being called "Easy Out Alper" in gym class. I cried and poured sweat not knowing at times what was sweat and what was tears. With each mile, I was transformed from being a survivor of paralytic polio and trauma to a powerful, resilient woman emboldened through the sport of running to share my story and leave the past behind.

I am deeply grateful that polio is almost eradicated worldwide.That's a lot to celebrate. However, Western Medicine does not take into account the power of the mind/body connection and neuroplasticity when it comes to polio survivors. My fervent hope is that, just as we are this close to eradicating polio, one day Western Medicine's view of polio survivors will change! While Polio Awareness Month in October and World Polio Day on October 24th bring awareness to efforts to completely eradicate polio, I am bringing awareness to what's possible despite all appearances to the contrary.

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.

 

Reflections on Strength

 

 

                             
After Thursday's before breakfast strength training sesh with my bestie Tom, I felt really strong. I felt the benefits of the new exercises we have added to our workout. Cranking up the playlist (and the a/c) fueled the surge of strength I felt. While feeling strong at the age of 72+ years old is a wonderful feat, it is especially amazing for THIS 72+ year old. 20 years this December marks the anniversary of when I was given the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome. I was told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair and expect an accelerated decline in functioning as I aged. I started reflecting on physical, mental and spiritual strength. 

My first challenge in my life happened when I was only 5 1/2 years old. I contracted paralytic polio. I was initially paralyzed from the neck down. To compound the challenge, my mother was addicted to prescription pain medication and unable to care for me. During the acute phase of the virus, I had an out of body experience. Despite being unable to move, a "hand" was extended to me inviting me to step into a well bucket. I was reeled up to meet this Being with only a head and a long flowing beard. I decided to return to my physical body having this sense that no matter what happened to me, I would be able to make it through. 

I was blessed with Miss Holly and Dr. Moskowitz; physical therapist and rehab medicine physician who specialized in the care and treatment of those who had contracted the polio virus. She was an earth angel whose compassion, care and being a healer ahead of her time coaxing withered muscles and nerves back to health. I felt her strength and intention for me to heal; I was able to come out of my ankle to hip left leg brace after a year. I used her strength to fuel my determination to get stronger.

I summoned all of my mental and spiritual strength to endure years of abuse at the hands of family members who were alcoholic and addicted to one substance or another. I had a constant pipeline of prayer to the Divine. I became high school valedictorian harnessing my intellectual prowess while dissociating mind from body to survive the terrors of my childhood and adolescence. Attending Boston University one month after my father's death by suicide when I was 17 years old required incredible strength as did asking for help from the BU Counseling Center. 

After receiving an MSW from Boston College, I went on to have an award-winning social work career at the Boston VA Outpatient Clinic. All those years of ignoring my body and soul's needs finally caught up with me when, in December of 2006, I was diagnosed with Post-Polio Syndrome. I was told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair and expect an accelerated decline in functioning as I aged. After going through the initial phases of anger, depression, anxiety, feeling helpless and hopeless, I did what I had always done when facing seemingly insurmountable challenges. I got still and asked for Divine Guidance.

When the poem, "Running the Race" in the cadence of Dr. Seuss flowed out of me I was at once delighted and surprised that this was the answer to my prayer. Miss Holly read Dr. Seuss to me before every painful physical therapy session. As she ministered to me in the treatment room, she had me recite back to her in tandem whatever Dr. Seuss book I chose to distract me from the painful treatments! The portal to healing opened wide with tapping into the gift of poetry in my soul.  Allison Lamarre-Poole, another earth angel physical therapist came into my life who did not subscribe to what Western Medicine believed about Post-Polio Syndrome that if you use it you will lose it! I knew that I was at a crossroads in my life. I dug really deep to find the strength to take a leap of faith leaving behind a steady paycheck, benefits and a career that no longer served me mind, body and soul.

While I found the strength to move in a new direction in my life, the Universe had my back at every turn. And what a turn my life took when a personal trainer came into my life in October of 2007. I asked her if she thought I could get a little stronger building on the outpatient rehab program that Allison gave me after I was discharged from her care. In February of 2008, my personal trainer asked me for my next goals. "I want to feel free in my body. I want to come out of my leg brace. I really want to diversify my workouts, maybe get back to dance since I took ballet before I contracted paralytic polio." She wrote down my goals and gathered up her things. She had her hand on the door knob when I said, "Wait. I have one more goal." "What's that?" she asked. "I want to run the Boston Marathon next year for Spaulding Rehab. I hear they have a Race for Rehab team." Now there were many responses she could have made such as, "Don't you think you need a more modest goal? You have never run a day in your life." Instead she said, "Well you are going to need a pair of running shoes."

I wrote poetry and called forth all of my physical, mental and spiritual strength to train for and cross the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon, the race that "Running the Race" foreshadowed in February of 2008.

                                                                               As I am editing my 8th book, "Running the Race: From Atrophy to Astonishing," I am in awe of my strength, resilience and determination to draw strength from all that I have experienced; to make every day a celebration of life and to age strong and well.

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.

 

 

A Celebratory 5K!

 

When I first set out on a quest to heal my life after the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome in December of 2006, when I was told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair and expect an accelerated decline in functioning as I aged, I knew there was going to be pain. There was going to be pain of atrophy and decline if I succumbed to the diagnosis or there was going to be pain as I worked to build strength and endurance. I chose the pain of building strength and endurance all the way to the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon.

 

Tom and I had a rigorous training cycle through the bitter cold and snowy winter of 2026. Our goal race, the Hyannis Marathon Weekend 10K was cancelled because of the Blizzard of '26 but I'd gone beyond the distance of the 10K with my birthday celebration of 7.2 miles. We have needed a lot of time to recover, especially after we ran back to back 4 miles in snow, slush and ice. This past Saturday was the anniversary of when I had a Book Release Party for my first (and what I thought would be my only book) at Brookline Marathon Sports where I bought my first pair of running shoes in February of 2008. Despite never having run a day in my life and still wearing a toe-up leg brace for support, I declared to my personal trainer that my next health and fitness goal was to run the Boston Marathon. "Coming Home: A Memoir of Healing, Hope and Possibility" was the first book in a Trilogy of Transformation followed by two books I wrote during the pandemic. Writers gotta write and poets gotta create! I am working on my 8th book, "Running the Race: From Atrophy to Astonishing!" 

 

Monday, 5/25th was the 19th anniversary of when I took a leap of faith leaving behind my award-winning social work career at the VA to heal my life. To celebrate, I suggested to Tom that we should get back to the 5K distance.

 

It was a spontaneous, fabulous 5K from our home to two loops around the Route 9 Reservoir and back. 
I am forever grateful to Tom for telling me it was a no-brainer that I should leave my career 3 years shy of when I was eligible for retirement after receiving the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome. Today's fantastic 5K refreshed us mind, body and soul as were unplugged among lush green trees hearing the birds and infusing our senses with all that Nature has to offer. 

 

Research suggests that being among trees exposes you to phytoncides. When inhaled, these compounds are shown to increase white blood cell activity and reduce stress hormones. It's how I continue to age strong! We had a goodp laugh when we got home realizing that we'd forgotten to bring our fuel. We had made such a spontaneous decision to go out the front door and extend our mileage from 2 miles (as our bodies, especially my right knee recovered from our training cycle) to a 5K, that we only brought water. Fortunately, our bodies responded well given the solid base we built from last June until March. 

 

I felt unbridled joy and exhilaration celebrating 19 years of healing after taking what was clearly the biggest risk I'd ever taken in my life. December will mark 20 years since I was given the diagnosis with that dire prognosis. Tom and I expressed our deep gratitude for our recent training cycle and contentment with doing workouts and runs right now without the pressure of a race. When I sat in my yard after having cleared out of the VA on 5/25/2007, I breathed a sigh of relief while also feeling a moment of terror wondering what had I just done?!? The Universe has consistently had my back during these past 19 years and I have consistently invested in my physical, mental and spiritual well-being. I've been blessed to share my message of what's possible despite all appearances to the contrary inspiring others to go beyond perceived limitations. It's a privilege and an honor to be a role model for health and vitality regardless of the number of birthdays one has celebrated. My journey also speaks to how one can heal trauma and overcome life's greatest challenges at any age.

 

 Every day is a celebration of life for me. We punctuated the celebration of life with a 5K that coincided with the anniversaries of the Book Release party for my first book and when I took a leap of faith 19 years ago. May my journey ignite a spark within you to know that a whole world of possibilities exists beyond what the eyes can see when the heart and soul light 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.

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

How Lucky I Am to be Alive Right Now!

 

 

Saturday was the first day in a long time that Tom and I were able to get our run on in short sleeves and shorts. As we made our way around the Route 9 Reservoir savoring the lush green and the sights, scents and sounds of Springtime in Boston, I said to Tom, "How lucky I am to be alive right now!"

 

In December of 2006, I was given the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome with the dire prognosis of preparing to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair and expecting an accelerated decline in functioning as I aged. Talk about a wake-up call. My life came to a screeching halt when I was at the height of my award-winning career as a VA social worker. My life today (if in fact I would be alive today) would look very different had I chosen to take that diagnosis sitting down.

 

Next Monday, 5/25, marks 19 years since I left behind my award-winning career as a VA social worker. I am forever grateful to Tom for his unwavering support letting me know that it was a no-brainer to leave behind my career to heal my life. I smile as I reflect on that day in February of 2007 when I got still and asked for Divine Guidance knowing I was at a crossroads in my life. The answer to my prayer sure did surprise me! The poem, "Running the Race" flowed out of my soul followed by an anthology of poems inspiring me to heal from the once devastating effects of childhood paralytic polio and trauma.

 

I took that first step trusting in the Divine Guidance I was receiving through my poetry that fired up my imagination. At the time I wasn't aware of the extensive research that supports what happens when we harness the power of the mind/body connection through visualization. The body heals in miraculous ways. I had no idea what my future would look like. I had no way to anticipate that I would go on to become a 2009 Boston Marathon finisher and have many adventures as a most unlikely runner nor that I would author 7 books (and now working on book number 8), become a blogger and motivational speaker. I certainly had no idea that I would be sharing a powerful message of healing, hope and possibility to inspire others with what's possible despite all appearances to the contrary.

 

As I count down to the anniversary of when I took that leap of faith that set me on a trajectory of healing after years of neglecting my health mind, body and soul, the runs I share with Tom become especially meaningful and special. We went from two salaries, and my career offered full benefits, to one salary. Fortunately, we were able to get health insurance through Tom's job.  I had withdrawn my retirement account and taken the penalty but it quickly dwindled. Tom was steadfast and steady through the lean years until I swallowed my pride and applied for social security disability. Oh the irony of a social worker hesitant to apply for benefits. 

 

Each step and each mile brings joy, gratitude and appreciation savoring the change of seasons and Nature up close and personal. I remember the days when I needed a toe-up leg brace and cane or, if I needed to go any distance, used a wheelchair. I used a tub bench to shower and had special utensils for eating. I had to use a straw to drink liquids to not aspirate into my lungs and used a chin tuck so I wouldn't choke on food. I let my eyes linger on the beautiful blue/green hues in the water and the lush green on the trees surrounding us.

The dancing sparkles on the water tickled and delighted my soul. The sound of the waves gently lapping on the shore provided the soundtrack for our run. We completely unplug when we are out in Nature getting in our miles. Instead of a scene of Tom pushing me around the Reservoir in a wheelchair (if I would have still been alive) we shared joyful moments feeling incredibly vibrant and alive. And while tomorrow is never promised to anyone, given my diagnosis and prognosis in December of 2006, I know how lucky I am to be alive right now! Every day is a celebration of life.

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. 

 

"Meet Mary McManus — our first-ever Music Saved Me Story Contest winner.
We asked you to share the stories of the songs, the albums, and the moments when music reached in and changed everything. You delivered. And one story stopped us in our tracks. We are thrilled to announce that Mary McManus is the winner of the first-ever Music Saved Me Story Contest. Mary’s journey is one for the ages. She contracted paralytic polio at age five. She survived years of childhood trauma. And then, at the height of an award-winning career as a VA social worker, she was diagnosed with Post-Polio Syndrome and told to prepare to spend the rest of her life in a wheelchair.

Music — and the healing power of words — had other plans for Mary.
Through poetry, perseverance, and an unshakeable belief in what’s possible, Mary transformed her life. At 53 she became a runner. At 55 she crossed the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon. That is what music can do." 

 

Mary will be the guest on an upcoming exclusive episode of the "Music Saved Me" podcast.

 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.

 

 

Running the Race

 

In October of 2006, I sat on the exam table at the Post-Polio Clinic feeling as fragile as the sheet of paper that's torn off between patients. My pallor matched its color as the hum of the fluorescent lights echoed the buzzing of my anxiety. I had experienced worsening symptoms for 10 years when I realized enough was enough. The limp from polio returned, I was in constant pain, experiencing chronic fatigue, depression and anxiety. Since Post-Polio Syndrome is a diagnosis of exclusion, I underwent extensive testing to rule out any other causes for the symptoms. In December of 2006, the diagnosis was made. I was told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair and expect an accelerated decline in functioning as I aged. But what's a social worker to do? I was at the height of my award-winning career as a VA social worker getting ready to retire in 3 years. 

In February of 2007, knowing I was at a crossroads in my life, I did what I'd done when I faced seemingly insurmountable challenges in my life. I got still and asked for Divine Guidance. It was a cold dark evening that seemed to mirror the dark night of my mind, body and soul. I had articles I printed out from the "new age" teachers (who in truth were sharing ancient wisdom) spread out on my dining room table. There was a prompt from Lisa Nichols newsletter that said, "I am so happy and grateful now that I can create..." "Whoa," I thought to myself. "Happy? Grateful? Create?" As I queried the Universe, I grabbed my laptop. My fingers almost magically flew across the keyboard as the poem, "Running the Race" poured forth from my heart and soul.

Early summer 1959 my kindergarten year
everyone around me filled with nervous fear.
Despite the Salk vaccine hope polio would disappear
the polio virus crept right up and knocked me in the rear.

Dancing all around the gym feeling free just like a bird
I dropped to the ground just like a stone and no one said a word.
The pain it was so searing-the diagnosis even worse
"It's polio" the doctor said...he was abrupt and terse.

Called one of the 'lucky ones' I had a 'mild case'
but with the other athletes I could never keep their pace.
Miss Holly physical therapist, curly hair and a warm, broad smile
it tempered the pain of being apart - to walk I'd take a while.

I always wore those 'special' shoes the kids they poked and teased                                                     
with no support and much abuse with childhood I wasn’t pleased.                                                       
But put nose to the grindstone and learned all that I could
I couldn't kick a ball but my grades were always good.

Years went by and no more thought to polio did I give
I accepted the limp, everything else and decided my life I would live.
But symptoms of weakness and muscle pain did grow
I kept a stoic face hoping no one else would know.

Life no longer was my own I struggled through each day
suffered in silence, alone and afraid tried to keep depression at bay.
And with the grace of glorious God my world it opened wide
I discovered there was a Post-Polio team and they were on my side.                                            

Sought out paths for healing and my spirit flew free
for the first time in life, I could truly be me.
The chains are gone and possibilities abound
I'm a tree with my roots planted firmly in ground.

Using wheelchair to travel, set limits on what I could do
resulted in joy to realize I could live life anew.
Celebrated my body-creaks, groans and need for a brace
while in my mind I focused on winning a 10K race.

I'm now off the sidelines, no need to sit and whine
so much gratitude fills my heart and love and beauty shine.
After all these years I can join the loving human race
I exceed all expectations and now I set the pace.

Winning a 10K race? Why am I focusing on winning a race when I had never run a day in my life, was called “Easy Out Alper” (my maiden name) in gym class, and have this diagnosis and prognosis telling me to expect an accelerated decline in functioning as I aged? I am sitting here in a toe-up leg brace, using a cane and at times a wheelchair for mobility. As poetry flowed from my mind, heart and soul to the page, I viewed my past of having contracted paralytic polio followed by enduring years of abuse at the hands of family members, through the lens of gratitude, and forgiveness and began healing my mind/body connection through beautiful metaphors.  

On 5/25, I will be celebrating the 19th anniversary of when I walked out of the Boston VA Medical Center for the last time. I had no idea what the future held for me or if I had a future. But as Abraham Lincoln once said, "The best way to predict the future is to create it." I was creating a future very different in my mind's eye from the one Western Medicine predicted for me. I saw myself as running free in my body, feeling healthy, whole and healed. I did not however, see running the 2009 Boston Marathon in my future. That happened in February of 2008 when my personal trainer asked me what my next health and fitness goals were. I'd been discharged in May of 2007 from outpatient physical therapy with an earth angel who did not subscribe to Western Medicine's belief that I was destined for a life in a wheelchair. In October of 2007, the Universe brought me together with Janine Hightower, an in-home personal trainer. After 6 months of working together she asked me what my next goals were. I'd accomplished so much in a short period of time being able to get off of a toilet seat independently, no longer use a tub chair in the shower and being able to pass the initial fitness assessment test. I told her I wanted to come out of my toe-up leg brace; maybe take a dance class as I loved ballet before contracting paralytic polio. I wanted to diversify my work outs. She wrote down my goals, gathered up her things and had her hand on the door knob.

"Wait...I have one more goal."

"What's that?" she asked.

"I want to run the 2009 Boston Marathon next year for Spaulding Rehab. I hear they have a Race for Rehab Team." The words bypassed any logic or cognitive process. It came from deep inside my soul just like that poem "Running the Race." She could have very easily said to me, "Hold on there. You are still in your leg brace and you've never run a day in your life. Shouldn't we set a less ambitious goal?"

Instead, Janine said to me, "Well you're going to need a pair of running shoes!" 

On April 20, 2009, after 7 hours and 49 minutes, I crossed the finish line of the Boston Marathon having run a race that by all appearances should have been an impossible accomplishment for me. I've gone on to have many adventures as runnergirl 1953, published 7 books that chronicle my journey of life after a once devastating diagnosis and dire prognosis and wowed audiences with my powerful message of healing, hope and possibilities. 

What a gift and blessing to be celebrating 19 years of healing after finding the courage to take that leap of faith on 5/25/2007. Every day is a celebration of life. My heart overflows with gratitude and appreciation for every run and every workout. Last Saturday, despite a light rain, nothing could dampen my Spirit as Tom and I got in magnificent morning miles. The lush green was captivating as I realized how fortunate I am to be outside in Nature experiencing the change in seasons up close and personal.

 

I often shudder to think of what my life would look like had I taken the prognosis of Post-Polio Syndrome sitting down but I did not and that's what's important. My life transformed as I embraced the diagnosis as a gift and became a most unlikely runner, author, poet, blogger and motivational speaker.

And to think it all started with a poem in which I imagined myself Running the Race despite all appearances to the contrary.

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. 

 

"Meet Mary McManus — our first-ever Music Saved Me Story Contest winner.
We asked you to share the stories of the songs, the albums, and the moments when music reached in and changed everything. You delivered. And one story stopped us in our tracks. We are thrilled to announce that Mary McManus is the winner of the first-ever Music Saved Me Story Contest. Mary’s journey is one for the ages. She contracted paralytic polio at age five. She survived years of childhood trauma. And then, at the height of an award-winning career as a VA social worker, she was diagnosed with Post-Polio Syndrome and told to prepare to spend the rest of her life in a wheelchair.

Music — and the healing power of words — had other plans for Mary.
Through poetry, perseverance, and an unshakeable belief in what’s possible, Mary transformed her life. At 53 she became a runner. At 55 she crossed the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon. That is what music can do." 

 

Mary will be the guest on an upcoming exclusive episode of the "Music Saved Me" podcast.

 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.