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Mary McManus on Surviving and Thriving After Recovering from Trauma and Polio
05/28/2025
Mary McManus on Surviving and Thriving After Recovering from Trauma and Polio
Mary McManus has never had it easy. As a kindergartener, 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. Chapters: 01:05 Meet Mary McManus Mary McManus is introduced as a remarkable individual with a story of resilience and triumph over adversity. 02:14 Mary’s Early Challenges Mary shares her early life experiences, including her diagnosis of polio at a young age and the impact it had on her family dynamics. Despite her paralysis, she describes a profound spiritual connection that provided her comfort during this challenging time. 08:09 The Road to Recovery Mary recounts her journey through physical therapy and the support she received from dedicated professionals who helped her regain mobility. 12:08 Finding Purpose in College In college, Mary discovers her passion for helping others while working in the counseling center. 16:08 A Career with Veterans Mary shares her experiences working with veterans at the VA, highlighting the challenges they faced upon returning from Vietnam 17:02 The Diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome Mary discusses her diagnosis of post-polio syndrome nearly 50 years after her initial polio diagnosis, detailing the physical and emotional challenges she faced. 22:59 Turning Pain into Poetry In a moment of introspection, Mary turns to poetry as a means of healing and self-expression. This creative outlet not only provides relief from her pain but also sparks a new chapter in her life. 24:21 From Poetry to Running Mary shares her transformative journey from writing poetry to setting an ambitious goal of completing the Boston Marathon 29:01 Rebuilding Strength: The Journey Begins Mary shares her initial struggles with physical fitness post-therapy, highlighting her determination to regain strength. With the support of her trainer, she sets ambitious goals, including a desire to run the Boston Marathon. 31:34 The Training Journey: From Walking to Running Mary describes her gradual transition from walking to running, emphasizing the importance of patience and support from family during her training. 35:03 Facing Doubts: The Mental Challenge of Marathon Training As the Boston Marathon approaches, Mary reflects on the mental hurdles she faces, including moments of doubt. However, her unwavering belief in her ability to complete the race, supported by her trainer and family, keeps her focused. 38:10 The Emotional Finish: Crossing the Marathon Line Mary recounts the emotional experience of running the Boston Marathon, including the support from friends and family along the course. She describes the overwhelming joy and healing she felt as she crossed the finish line. 39:57 Life After the Marathon: Trials and Triumphs After the marathon, Mary faces new challenges, including personal loss and health setbacks, yet she remains resilient. 44:33 Resilience Through Adversity: The Power of Poetry and Running Mary discusses her experiences during the pandemic, including health challenges and the therapeutic power of writing poetry. Despite setbacks, she finds motivation to continue running and sets new goals for herself. 46:44 Looking Forward: Embracing New Challenges As Mary reflects on her journey, she emphasizes the importance of resilience and gratitude in overcoming life’s challenges. With plans to run a half marathon again, she inspires others to pursue their goals, regardless of obstacles.
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