Mary McManus

Published: July 5, 2021, 8:33 p.m.

Despite vaccination, at the age of five, Mary McManus was diagnosed with Polio and was paralized from the neck down. Over time, Mary was able to regain movement, succeed in school, and pull herself above an abusive home life, only to be struck down again many years later with post-polio syndrome.\n\n\u201cI've got to choose,\u201d says Mary. \u201cAm I going to be in pain on the side of just withering away for the rest of my life? Or am I going to feel pain on the side of healing? I chose to feel pain on the side of healing.\u201d\nFacing the impossible, Mary set a lofty goal. She wanted to run the Boston Marathon. And, through passion and determination, she succeeded.\n\nMary has written five books, including her most recent book of poems, Hope is a Garden. You can learn more at marymcmanus.com.\n\n#liveyourbestlife\n\nIf you have a guest idea, or want to learn more about Brunner Communications, contact Liz at info@LizBrunner.com.\n\nTo join our mailing list and never miss any of Liz\u2019s stories, tips and techniques, click here.