From "On the Runs" podcast Episode #56: Join us on episode 56 for lovely Mary McManus as she shares her remarkable and inspiring story of hope and unimaginable possibilities that she made happen after being diagnosed with Post Polio Syndrome and being told she would live the rest of her life in a wheelchair. But at the age of 53, Mary wasn't going to let that happen and she started doing something for the very first time in her life, Run. However before she could start that journey, she needed to get a pair of running shoes first. Here is the episode link. Be sure to subscribe and download on your favorite podcast platform to this unique podcast chock full of inspiring stories, warmth and wit with your co-hosts Eric and Erika.
Mary and her daughter Ruth Anne's running journeys were featured in the April 27th edition of the Boston College Chronicle. "A Boston College Student and her alumna mother have taken a similar route to recover from health issues"
and in the BC News as a McManus family tradition of service.
In March 2023, Mary's story was featured on Mike Reilly's Stories from the Finish Line Presented by CURAD Performance Series. Read the full story by following this link.
"Into the Light: Emerging From the 2020 Pandemic" was chosen by WBZ Boston News Radio for their Book Club. Here's what Jordan Rich had to say about Mary's latest book, "Mary McManus is known to many in the Boston area as a motivational speaker, author, poet and survivor; a champion of resilience who refused to let a tough disease known as Post-Polio Syndrome ever stop her or slow her down. She’s run marathons including Boston in 2009 and Mary has never stopped giving back. She does so now in her new book, “Into the Light: Emerging From the 2020 Pandemic.” Her perspective of course is interesting knowing of her own personal resilience in fighting against a devastating diagnosis and, in the new book, she is very honest about how the pandemic brought childhood trauma once again to the surface. She writes about how she got through it all with a great deal of faith, humor and that unique perspective that people like Mary have. ~Jordan Rich, The Book Club WBZ Boston News Radio
On October 27th, 2022 Mary was the guest on All Things Rex Worldwide sponsored by the LA Tribune hosted by Rex Sikes, author, producer, actor, keynote speaker and a man who transformed his life after a sky diving accident almost ended it. They talked about Mary's miraculous healing journey and what advice she would give to someone feeling overwhelmed and lost. Mary shared how her life transformed through the power of writing poetry, harnessing the mind/body connection, gratitude, forgiveness, and visualizing the life she wanted to create.
"The Takin A Walk Podcast Series is about cool people, telling their stories of life lessons, business advice and triumphs. It is also about ordinary people with extraordinary stories.
That is the story of Mary McManus on the latest episode of Takin A Walk.
Mary has known tremendous challenges during her life. From a family situation that ended in tragedy to her personal health challenges with polio the road has not been easy. At the age of five she contracted paralytic polio and at the age of 53 she was diagnosed with post-polio syndrome. She was told then to be prepared to spend the rest of her life in a wheelchair.
Mary would not be brought down!
She took to writing poetry and used the pen as a divining rod for healing. Mary harnessed the power of mind/body connection through her writing and has been able to achieve amazing things in her journey of hope.
She has become a motivational force in the Boston community from achieving a goal of finishing the Boston Marathon in 2009 to continuing to share her story of resilience and hope as a speaker and an author.
I hope you can enjoy her uplifting spirit as much as I did on our walk at the Brookline Reservoir on this episode available here." ~Buzz Knight July 11, 2022
The Cardinal Cafe is a podcast borne out of the pandemic, presented by Greg Chastain, Founder and President, and Ed Siegel, Vice President of Voices of Hope Boston. Mary recorded her interview for the podcast on 5/25th which marked the 14th anniversary of when she took a leap of faith leaving her award winning career as a VA social worker to heal her life from the once devastating effects of paralytic polio and trauma. They chat about how she overcame seemingly impossible obstacles in her life, and her newest book, "Hope is a Garden: Poems and Essays From the 2020 Pandemic." Listen by following this link.
Mary was a guest on Bernie Siegel, MD's Mind Health Matters radio show. Mary, Bernie and Deborah Beauvais, visionary behind Dreamvisions 7 Radio and TV Network talk about Mary's latest book, "Hope is a Garden: Poems and Essays From the 2020 Pandemic." Follow this link to be inspired as Mary shares her incredible journey of transformation from enduring childhood paralytic polio and severe abuse at the hands of family members through the gift of poetry, the power of the mind/body connection. running and her good fortune of finding her way to Bernie's work and wisdom. Tune in to be uplifted and inspired and rekindle your sense of hope and optimism regardless of the challenges you may face.
Mary's healing story was featured in the Heal Documentary newsletter and under Healing Stories on their website.
In September 2020, Mary was part of the Virtual Boston Marathon Expo speaking about her journey as a most unlikely runner as part of the Late Life Running-Whole Life Running Panel. Internationally renowned runner and running historian Roger Robinson moderated the panel with guests Gail Kislevitz, Jonathan Beverly and consecutive Boston Marathon record holder Ben Beach. They answered questions and offered insights about the benefits and joys that come with “even more miles.” You can watch the panel by following this link.
Mary was the special guest speaker at the Hyannis Marathon Weekend in February of 2020 at the Pre-Race pasta dinner. It was an honor and a thrill for Mary to share the stage with runner icon Bill Rodgers. Her blog post, “Embrace the Possibilities” captures the event.
David R. Hamilton Ph.D.’s “Tenth Anniversary of How Your Mind Can Heal Your Body” features Mary's journey of transformation harnessing the power of the mind/body connection to heal from the once devastating effects of paralytic polio and trauma. It's available on Amazon.
In April of 2019, Mary was featured on Magic 106.7’s Award Winning Exceptional Women show. Listen here!
"Polio Survivor and Brookline Resident Mary McManus has led a life of determination, running Boston, writing books and helping others along the way." Mary's life of being "scrappy and determined" was featured in the October 27th 2021 edition of the Brookline Tab. "Brookline Post-Pan (Not Quite): Mary McManus - A Life of Determination" by Susie Davidson paints a powerful portrait of Mary's journey. Read the article by following this link.