Mary McManus, motivational speaker, critically acclaimed author and poet, blogger, 2009 Boston Marathon finisher, polio and trauma survivor has wowed audiences and readers with her remarkable story of resilience, healing, hope and possibilities. Every day is a celebration of life for 70 year old Mary who refused to take the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome sitting down. Her pen became her divining rod for healing, harnessing the power of the mind/body connection through poetry. She embarked on a journey that took her from taking a leap of faith, leaving behind her award-winning career as a VA social worker in May 2007, to the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon, and many adventures as a woman transformed through the sport of running. Out of the rubble of her past, Mary dug deep to discover the treasure of who she was always meant to be. Her Spirit shines with brilliant resilience as she conquered every challenge going the distance on the roads and in her life. Mary speaks to the power of forgiveness, gratitude, love, hope and optimism when confronting life's challenges. She was recently featured on Mike Reilly's Stories from the Finish Line and a guest on the AdaptX and On the Runs podcast. Mary was featured on Boston’s Channel 7 after her inspiring Boston Marathon run, award winning Exceptional Women radio show, featured on the Heal Documentary website, many podcasts and radio shows, and featured in best-selling author Dr. David Hamilton’s book, “The Tenth Anniversary Edition of How Your Mind Can Heal Your Body.” In February of 2020, Mary shared the stage with Bill Rodgers at the Hyannis Marathon Pre-Race pasta dinner. Mary was a panelist at the 2020 Boston Marathon Virtual Expo "Late Life Running and Whole Life Running." Her book, "Into the Light: Emerging From the 2020 Pandemic" is a selection of the WBZ Radio Book Club for 2023. Mary is a contributing author to the 2023 eBook "Creating Inclusive and Accessible Road Races" by AdaptX. Mary and her daughter Ruth Anne were featured in a Boston College News article, "Pillars of Strength, Community" sharing how running and fundraising, being of Service to the community have helped them to heal in the wake of health challenges.Mary holds a BS in Communications from Boston University, an MSW from Boston College and many fond memories of her veterans and their families who blessed her life when she worked at the VA. Read more about this authorRead less about this author