An Extraordinary Book Launch Party!

“Every runner in the 123 year HISTORY of the Boston Marathon RAN past where YOU STAND.”-since 1897 {Sign in Paper Fiesta}

One Boston Day 4/15/15: A day of service and resilience as proclaimed by Mayor Marty Walsh. After a moving interfaith service performed by Boston area clergy, I met Walter Dunbar, Boston EMS and his wife Paula Romero-Dunbar. We became friends on Facebook and in real life finding kindred spirits through the way we live our lives, through running, the Boston Marathon and that fateful day of 4/15/13.

I watched what was percolating in Paula and Walter's Facebook posts. Paula was following her dream to open up her own store after working for 21 years at Party Favors in Brookline. Here's the back story:
Paula's parents moved here from Guatamela 41 years ago. They were incredibly hard working parents. Paula was born here and grew up in Brookline Public Housing. She worked at Party Favors for 21 years. She left 3 times to pursue other interests but always returned to her passion. About 12 years ago she felt she wanted a shop to call her own. 8 years ago she started to pursue her dream and took classes at CWE and SCORE. A little over a year ago she met her mentor at Small Business Development Center and she helped to finalize her business plan. They opened their doors with a Grand Opening Celebration on 11/10. While her journey to becoming a small business owner is a remarkable story, the story doesn't end there. The shop is on Mile 10 of the Boston Marathon route. What are the chances right? Part of their shop is dedicated to Boston Marathon books and memorabilia and they support Strength to Strength, a 501c3 non-profit organization established to support victims of terrorism around the world by bringing them together to heal.

From Walter & Paula:
We love putting smiles on people’s faces! Paper Fiesta is Natick’s new family celebration store specializing in party supplies, gifts, cards and balloons. We don’t believe there should be any “ordinary” special occasions, let us help you make all your celebrations extraordinary! Paper Fiesta is located in the corner pocket of historic Clark’s Block along MILE 10 (rt 135/rt 27) of the legendary Boston Marathon route. Our staff and our store are built upon the foundation of what it means to be Boston Strong. Come by and connect with us. We love what we do.

I was in awe when I first walked into Paper Fiesta on November 9th last year and captured my emotions and observations in this blog. During that visit:

Paula commented how much she loved seeing us out running when we were training for Bermuda.

"Do you know you're in my next book?" I asked. "The Adventures of Runnergirl 1953." I talk about what a boost you gave us when you honked at us crossing Route 9 and when you went a little way with us the year before when it was freezing out in December."

"When will it be out?" Walter asked.

"As soon as I finish editing it!"

Walter explained how he would like to have events at the store with local artists and authors. I told him I am totally on board and would love to have my book launch at the store!

He went on to share his creation of Mile 10 Connections with the themes of Hope, Spirit, History and Strength.

I feverishly worked to edit my book with the push from that encounter knowing I had a beautiful and sacred space to have my book launch.

Last Saturday the copies of my book arrived:


The date, time and details are set!
April 6 from 3-5 pm

I'll be sharing my journey from a wheelchair to the finish line of the Boston Marathon and beyond, and signing copies of "The Adventures of Runnergirl 1953" and "Feel the Heal: An Anthology of Poems to Heal Your Life."

“The Adventures of Runnergirl 1953” takes you on Mary McManus’ healing odyssey from a wheelchair to the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon and beyond. After the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome in December 2006, Mary got still and asked for Divine Guidance tapping into the powerful connection she experienced to the Divine from an early age. She harnessed the power of her mind to heal her body, feverishly writing poetry in which she imagined herself healthy, whole and free from the shackles of her youth.

Mary’s quest to heal her life led her to the sport of running. Her story is one that will leave you cheering for the underdog, discovering the meaning of different ability and experiencing the stunning view from the back of the pack of a race. You will have the privilege of bearing witness to how Mary overcame every challenge that life presented to her. The sport of running provides the backdrop for her journey and shines the spotlight on the very fabric that weaves together the running community. Through the redemptive power of running, Mary transformed from a survivor of childhood paralytic polio and severe trauma at the hands of family members to a woman who embodies faith, grace under fire, courage, determination, endurance and resilience. Running became a way of life for Mary that tested her mettle while forging friendships to last a lifetime. As you’ll discover in “The Adventures of Runnergirl 1953” nothing, not even a serious knee injury in December of 2014 could stop her on the roads or in her life.

Whenever an author celebrates the launch of their book, it's a very special occasion. But the Book Launch Party for "The Adventures of Runnergirl 1953" is an extraordinary event. Connecting the dots, I am in awe of how the launch evolved and how the stars aligned to celebrate my healing journey on the tenth year anniversary of my Boston Marathon run on Mile 10 of the Boston Marathon route.

I am deeply blessed and grateful to launch my book at Paper Fiesta, (from their website): A celebration boutique specializing in party supplies, gifts, cards, balloons and Boston Marathon items.

See you at Mile 10!



To your health and wellness
From my heart to yours
Mary

Be sure to visit my website by following this link.

My books are available on Amazon.



“The Adventures of Runnergirl 1953” takes you on Mary McManus’ healing odyssey from a wheelchair to the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon and beyond. After the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome in December 2006, Mary got still and asked for Divine Guidance tapping into the powerful connection she experienced to the Divine from an early age. She harnessed the power of her mind to heal her body, feverishly writing poetry in which she imagined herself healthy, whole and free from the shackles of her youth. Mary’s quest to heal her life led her to the sport of running. Her story is one that will leave you cheering for the underdog, discovering the meaning of different ability and experiencing the stunning view from the back of the pack of a race. You will have the privilege of bearing witness to how Mary overcame every challenge that life presented to her. The sport of running provides the backdrop for her journey of transformation from a survivor of childhood paralytic polio and severe trauma at the hands of family members to a woman who embodies faith, grace under fire, courage, determination, endurance and resilience. Running became a way of life for Mary that tested her mettle while forging friendships to last a lifetime. As you’ll discover in “The Adventures of Runnergirl 1953” nothing, not even a serious knee injury in December of 2014 could stop her on the roads or in her life.

Feel the Heal: An Anthology of Poems to Heal Your Life


Coming Home: A Memoir of Healing Hope and Possibility that chronicles the first 7 years of my healing journey:


Going the Distance: The Power of Endurance (With a Foreword by Jacqueline Hansen):


My healing journey using the power of visualization is featured in David R. Hamilton's book, "How Your Mind Can Heal Your Body-Anniversary Edition." It's available on Amazon.












'

Friendships Forged Through Running!

I was a late comer to the sport of running, drawn to it through a poem I wrote, 'Running the Race', shortly after the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome. I was swept away by the outpouring of love and support I received for having the courage to be out on the roads as an older runner, having never run a day in my life until April of 2008. The running community was enthralled with my story and, for the first time in my life, I was cheered rather than jeered when I ran.

As my mettle was tested through endurance running, friendships were forged that last a lifetime! The synchronicity and serendipity of meeting runner friends still makes my breath catch in awe.

From "The Adventures of Runnergirl 1953":

Ode to Marathon Training March 22, 2009

Blisters, black toes, aches and pains
a change in my routine
Long training runs, the hills, the sprints
keep running clothes fresh and clean.
Carbo load and plan each meal
power gels and gatorade
no matter what the weather
no time to be afraid.
Humid – hot or freezing cold
snow against the face
wind or sun or raining
those running shoes I must lace.
What mile is this how long we been out
check heart rate drink H20
meltdowns joys and triumphs
only a few more weeks to go.
Heartbreak Hill won't break my heart
this year has been the best
found myself and made new friends
I feel incredibly blessed.

At the Bill Rodgers 2014 5K Walk/Run for Prostate Cancer, Race Director Alain Ferry gathered a group together at the finish line to cheer me on to my PR. One of the women, Kathleen Healy Fencil was a volunteer that day. We had connected through running on Facebook and were so excited to meet in person. We have stayed in touch via Facebook cheering each other on in cyberspace. As Tom and I were on Heartbreak Hill for Superhero Saturday she was walking in the opposite direction with Tracy Pierce another runner friend whose husband Randy has an incredible story of inspiration, hope and possibility. We were both in awe that we would have a surprise meeting on Heartbreak Hill:


"Mary" someone yelled out to me as Tom and I were doing our out and back run on Heartbreak Hill during Superhero Saturday.

"It's Christina Sheehan!"


We connected on Facebook after Hyannis Marathon Weekend two years ago. Despite doing our best to meet up at different events, it never happened ... until last week. I must say that runners give the best hugs and smiles. She introduced me to her friend Donna Tosi. As I say in "The Adventures of Runnergirl 1953", runners tend to become instant friends...like instant oatmeal ... just add in a pair of running shoes and conversation about running.

I met Jess Lanzoni through another runner friend on Facebook several years ago. Jess gives her time and talent to support other runners and to run for good causes. She was there to cheer me on when I was going for a PR at two races in 2014 both in person and on social media. We may not see each other often but when we do it is always a special occasion especially when it's unplanned as happened during a run on Heartbreak Hill two weeks ago:


Jess is running the Boston Marathon for the Krystle Campbell Foundation and is having a fundraiser this Saturday.

Hyannis Marathon Weekend or Camp Hyannis as I have come to affectionately call it planted the seeds for many friendships that took root and blossomed through the years.

Ric Beaudoin and I were waiting to ask Frank Shorter a question after his talk about doping and we started up a conversation. He was an old timer when it came to running and a member of the Merrimack Valley Striders and L Street Running Club. He brought me into the fold and had me speak at the Clubs to inspire runners with my journey. Here's one part of the 'gang' at Camp Hyannis 2010:


Runner friends cheer you on in life and on the roads ready to celebrate triumphs and to provide unconditional love and support through the inevitable trials of running and life.

Adventures at Bermuda Marathon Weekend brought beautiful people into my life!

Dawn Angelique Roberts was doing social media for the 2016 Bermuda Marathon Weekend. We met briefly at the Sponsors Reception and stayed in touch on Facebook. This year we were blessed to see each other and spend time together as Tom ran the 10K:


From "The Adventures of Runnergirl 1953":
“It’s a sign!” a group of runners exclaimed as they walked by my table at the Hyannis Race Expo.

They picked up my medal from the Bermuda Half Marathon.

“We were just talking about how we have to run Bermuda. We are putting it on our bucket list.”

The Mystic Runners from Wakefield, Massachusetts were deeply moved by my inspirational journey. In that moment of synchronicity, we became fast friends.

We "just happened" to meet up with one of the Mystics, Erik Cann in Bermuda 2018 after two other Mystics, Michelle and MaryBeth teased Erik about going to Bermuda without them:


He bought my book and posted this photo:


We "just happened" to be sitting with Denise Holbert McMillan's husband on the plane to Bermuda in 2016. She was sitting behind him. We bumped into them on Front Street and then...Denise recounted the story when we reunited in Bermuda 2018:

After we ordered, Denise shared the story of how she found me via Instagram even though I wasn't active on Instagram on the eve of the 2016 Bermuda Half Marathon. While occasionally glancing up to take in the scene of the beautiful Bermuda Harbor, Denise became animated.

"There I was looking for the hashtag runbermuda."

She inserted her own music while tapping her fingers on the table.

"What were the chances that our numbers would be in sequence? I 'followed you to Facebook' and when I read your story I was moved to tears. I prayed for your health that night and knew I had to find you the next morning.”

I was enthralled to hear her recount the story without the filter of pre-race jitters. After Denise shared the story and before our dinner arrived, amidst laughter and joy in awe of what brought us together, Denise went into her bag.

She presented me with a box. “Never bought, only given.” Inside was a terrycloth sweat wristband engraved with one word, “INSPIRE.”


At the start of the 2018 Bermuda Half Marathon:

“Hey are you Joe Middlemiss?” I asked a tall runner wearing a Team Big Heart shirt.

“No Joey passed away and…”

“Oh I’m so sorry of course. I’m not thinking clearly. I meant to ask if you were Scott but obviously you’re someone else.”

“Hi I’m Linda and this is my husband Brad. How do you know about Team Big Heart?”

We were in awe of what a small world it was after I shared with them our Team Big Heart connection. We took photos of them at the starting line proudly wearing their Team Big Heart shirts and one with Ed Christopher.


The amazing circle of runner friends grew exponentially through the Joseph Middlemiss Big Heart Foundation. Every runner and family member we have met through the Foundation are beautiful people with big hearts.


The beautiful tapestry of friendship that is woven together through the fiber of the running community is truly awe-some. We run together. We celebrate together. We cry together and laugh together. We hug and we smile together. And we become runner family...


What mile is this how long we been out
check heart rate drink H20
meltdowns joys and triumphs
only a few more weeks to go.
Heartbreak Hill won't break my heart
this year has been the best
found myself and made new friends
I feel incredibly blessed.

To your health and wellness
From my heart to yours
Mary

Be sure to visit my website by following this link.

My books are available on Amazon.



“The Adventures of Runnergirl 1953” takes you on Mary McManus’ healing odyssey from a wheelchair to the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon and beyond. After the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome in December 2006, Mary got still and asked for Divine Guidance tapping into the powerful connection she experienced to the Divine from an early age. She harnessed the power of her mind to heal her body, feverishly writing poetry in which she imagined herself healthy, whole and free from the shackles of her youth. Mary’s quest to heal her life led her to the sport of running. Her story is one that will leave you cheering for the underdog, discovering the meaning of different ability and experiencing the stunning view from the back of the pack of a race. You will have the privilege of bearing witness to how Mary overcame every challenge that life presented to her. The sport of running provides the backdrop for her journey of transformation from a survivor of childhood paralytic polio and severe trauma at the hands of family members to a woman who embodies faith, grace under fire, courage, determination, endurance and resilience. Running became a way of life for Mary that tested her mettle while forging friendships to last a lifetime. As you’ll discover in “The Adventures of Runnergirl 1953” nothing, not even a serious knee injury in December of 2014 could stop her on the roads or in her life.

Feel the Heal: An Anthology of Poems to Heal Your Life


Coming Home: A Memoir of Healing Hope and Possibility that chronicles the first 7 years of my healing journey:


Going the Distance: The Power of Endurance (With a Foreword by Jacqueline Hansen):


My healing journey using the power of visualization is featured in David R. Hamilton's book, "How Your Mind Can Heal Your Body-Anniversary Edition." It's available on Amazon.












'

A Stirring in my Soul: 2019 Finish at the 50!

It's been over a year since I crossed the finish line of the 2018 Bermuda Half Marathon. Running three half marathons in as many years took quite the toll on my body as I continue to heal from the effects of paralytic polio and severe childhood trauma. I am incredibly proud that I dug deep and found the strength, courage and determination to train for and finish those 3 races.

I wasn't sure if I would toe another starting line but then I got a stirring in my soul.

What race did I want to run?

I get a flood of emails in my inbox about different races.

One race in particular kept nudging me... The Finish at the 50!

Tom and I ran in the inaugural Finish at the 50 10K on July 4th. It's the tenth year anniversary of the race. It's the tenth year anniversary of when I ran Boston.

I emailed my dear friend Dave McGillivray, the Race Director for Finish at the 50 asking if there was a time limit for the 5K. He said many people walk it just to experience being on the 50 yard line at Gillette for the finish. The finish line stays open for the 10K finishers.

I hit send on the registration and now have a goal with a race on the calendar.

John "The Penguin" Bingham posted this quote on Facebook yesterday, "I feel sorry for those that have never stood at a starting line and faced the uncertainty of the next 30 minutes or 6 hours. Those who have never faced their fear can never truly know their potential." It was an excerpt from his article, "Both Sides Now."

My workouts take on new meaning with my sights set on running the tenth anniversary of a race that I ran 10 years ago. I took over a year off from running after I crossed the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon. Tom and I ran the Charles River 5K in June as my comeback race and on its heels we chose to run Finish at the 50.

From "The Adventures of Runnergirl 1953":

Everyone Has a Story July 4th 2010

The blessing of running a race in the back of the pack is you get to share stories and meet amazing people. At the starting line of the inaugural Harvard Pilgrim 10K race, we met a woman just three months out from knee surgery. Her doctor gave her the okay to run/walk the race. A woman asked if this was our first race. She said it was hers and she was concerned that people would wonder why this overweight woman was even in the race. I gave her a short version of my story and a lot of love and support.

“Well then, I’d like to share with you that I am a 15 year breast cancer survivor.”

We high fived each other and said, "See you at the finish line."

Tom and I learned from the Charles River Run 5K race to warm up and go out slow especially with the heat. Today was all about finding a comfortable pace and having FUN! We walked through every water station and made sure we hydrated. I had my trusty gel with me and at one hour, we took a 'hit' to keep our muscles fueled. What a thrill to run on the Fourth of July. One family had patriotic music playing on their porch. One woman created a sprinkler with her hose and we ran under it. Spectators stood on front porches and waved flags as we all celebrated freedom.

A father, mother and their daughter took turns pushing their son/brother in a wheelchair. He had a birth defect which resulted in multiple physical challenges. They ran and then walked. They would drop behind us and then go in front of us.

When we caught up with them they said, “Oh no, we gotta speed up.”

We passed them and were going to slow down to let them pass us again but they slowed their pace. Tom suggested we push on.

We met a woman who said, "I'm 60 years old and I'm not gonna push myself today in this heat. It’s my first 10K.”

As she sent her daughter on her way to the finish, she told us that her daughter had lost 100 pounds and discovered the joy of running. She had an article written about her in Redbook; her mom told us how proud she was of her daughter who inspired her to lose over 40 pounds and take up running.

As we came out of the tunnel to sprint the final yards of the 10K, I drank in the joy of the moment. We approached the 50-yard line, and flashed a huge smile. I stood on the field of Gillette Stadium seeing myself on the Jumbotron where world champions play football; where world class entertainers perform.

I turned to Tom and said, "Wait a minute. I want to savor this moment and wave to my adoring fans."

There were fans in the stands cheering runners into the finish line.

July 4th is all about independence, freedom and choosing one’s own path.

Everyone has a story. The people I met today chose to not allow circumstances to limit them. Let freedom ring!

We chose Finish at the 50 as my comeback race in 2015 after a serious knee injury in December 2014 that the doctors and PT's said would sideline me for good. "They" also said to prepare for a total knee replacement in a few years. I met the Race Director for Bermuda Marathon Weekend at the Expo that year and the rest, as they say, is history.

There's a beautiful symmetry of coming full circle to run the 2019 Finish at the 50!

Let Freedom Ring!

To your health and wellness
From my heart to yours
Mary

Be sure to visit my website by following this link.

My books are available on Amazon.



“The Adventures of Runnergirl 1953” takes you on Mary McManus’ healing odyssey from a wheelchair to the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon and beyond. After the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome in December 2006, Mary got still and asked for Divine Guidance tapping into the powerful connection she experienced to the Divine from an early age. She harnessed the power of her mind to heal her body, feverishly writing poetry in which she imagined herself healthy, whole and free from the shackles of her youth. Mary’s quest to heal her life led her to the sport of running. Her story is one that will leave you cheering for the underdog, discovering the meaning of different ability and experiencing the stunning view from the back of the pack of a race. You will have the privilege of bearing witness to how Mary overcame every challenge that life presented to her. The sport of running provides the backdrop for her journey of transformation from a survivor of childhood paralytic polio and severe trauma at the hands of family members to a woman who embodies faith, grace under fire, courage, determination, endurance and resilience. Running became a way of life for Mary that tested her mettle while forging friendships to last a lifetime. As you’ll discover in “The Adventures of Runnergirl 1953” nothing, not even a serious knee injury in December of 2014 could stop her on the roads or in her life.

Feel the Heal: An Anthology of Poems to Heal Your Life


Coming Home: A Memoir of Healing Hope and Possibility that chronicles the first 7 years of my healing journey:


Going the Distance: The Power of Endurance (With a Foreword by Jacqueline Hansen):


My healing journey using the power of visualization is featured in David R. Hamilton's book, "How Your Mind Can Heal Your Body-Anniversary Edition." It's available on Amazon.

Superhero Saturday

Heartbreak Hill was teeming with superheroes as Charity Team runners made their way along the Boston Marathon course from Natick to the finish line of the Boston Marathon.

Tom and I got up early to do our 3.5 mile Saturday morning run along Heartbreak Hill and experience the energy that is unique to the Boston Marathon.

The Joseph Middlemiss Big Heart Foundation had their aid station ready to cheer on the runners. These are photos of Kate pouring water and gatorade.



The Middlemiss Family embody what it means to be heroic. After their son Joseph died, they transformed their grief into a Foundation to keep Joseph's legacy alive. Scott discovered the healing power of running after Dave McGillivray encouraged him to take up the sport. Kate was Dave's son's Kindergarten teacher when Joseph earned his angel wings.



Their son Jack was born with the same condition as Joseph, cardiomyopathy, and last year received a heart transplant. Talk about a superhero! He has experienced more challenges at the age of 5 that many don't experience in a lifetime. Yet he is full of love, kindness, joy and 5 year old mischief.



His sister Grace is a superhero at the tender age of 3 years old. While she doesn't have any health challenges, she has weathered the storms of what it means to be the sister of a heart warrior with love, laughter, kindness and true to her name, Grace.

Family members of those running for Team Big Heart in the 2019 Boston Marathon gathered at the Middlemiss aid station. Kids dressed in superhero outfits chased each other on the snow (and remember that this is a major accomplishment for superhero Jack who underwent a heart transplant just one year ago); family members and significant others were at the ready to greet the superheroes as they made their way through the grueling Newton Hills):


And what Superhero Saturday would be complete without "Incredible" Scott cheering on the runners with his megaphone:


The members of Team Big Heart run with all of their heart inspired by Joseph, Jack, Grace, Kate and Scott. They are true superheroes running and fund raising to do so much good in the world.

I have my own superhero story to share. When I was 5 years old, I contracted paralytic polio. Three years later, I endured years of abuse at the hands of my alcoholic father, a severely mentally ill grandmother and neglect from my mother addicted to prescription pain medication. I was valedictorian of my high school class and went on to have a stellar career at the VA as a social worker for almost twenty years. I was diagnosed with Post-Polio Syndrome, a progressive neuromuscular disease by Western Medicine standards in December of 2006. Refusing to take the diagnosis sitting down, I asked for Divine Guidance to discover the gift of poetry in my soul. My pen became my diving rod for healing as poetry poured forth inspiring mind, body and soul to heal. My first poem, "Running the Race" foreshadowed my 2009 Boston Marathon run.

Back then we did not have a Superhero Saturday although every week we trained we embodied the superhero within us.

What a thrill to be a part of Superhero Saturday. Scott and Kate had extra t shirts from their annual 5K race to benefit the Foundation. Other members of Team Big Heart easily spotted us sporting our Superhero 5K t shirts, and we spotted them knowing that several of them had dressed up as Ninja Turtles. We gave high fives and shout outs to Team Big Heart. Tom and I cheered on runners from other charity teams commenting on their costumes and giving them that boost of energy that gets one through the Newton Hills. I was energized throughout our run being a part of the superhero community and having surprise meetings with runner friends. (More on that in a later blog post).

We returned to the Team Middlemiss tent cheered on by Scott through his megaphone and family members and friends of Team Big Heart runners.



Even Johnny Kelley was dressed for Superhero Saturday:


Even though we only ran 3.5 miles yesterday, we gave our energy and love to those training for Boston knowing that it takes a very special superhero to train for, fund raise and then run the Boston Marathon.

As the sun shined brightly and the Spirit of Johnny Kelley smiled on the runners, there was a unity and harmony among the thundering footsteps on Heartbreak Hill.

If only everyone could know the magic and Oneness created by the Boston Marathon and unleash the Superhero within what an incredible world this would be!

To your health and wellness
From my heart to yours
Mary

Be sure to visit my website by following this link.

My books are available on Amazon.



“The Adventures of Runnergirl 1953” takes you on Mary McManus’ healing odyssey from a wheelchair to the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon and beyond. After the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome in December 2006, Mary got still and asked for Divine Guidance tapping into the powerful connection she experienced to the Divine from an early age. She harnessed the power of her mind to heal her body, feverishly writing poetry in which she imagined herself healthy, whole and free from the shackles of her youth. Mary’s quest to heal her life led her to the sport of running. Her story is one that will leave you cheering for the underdog, discovering the meaning of different ability and experiencing the stunning view from the back of the pack of a race. You will have the privilege of bearing witness to how Mary overcame every challenge that life presented to her. The sport of running provides the backdrop for her journey of transformation from a survivor of childhood paralytic polio and severe trauma at the hands of family members to a woman who embodies faith, grace under fire, courage, determination, endurance and resilience. Running became a way of life for Mary that tested her mettle while forging friendships to last a lifetime. As you’ll discover in “The Adventures of Runnergirl 1953” nothing, not even a serious knee injury in December of 2014 could stop her on the roads or in her life.

Feel the Heal: An Anthology of Poems to Heal Your Life


Coming Home: A Memoir of Healing Hope and Possibility that chronicles the first 7 years of my healing journey:


Going the Distance: The Power of Endurance (With a Foreword by Jacqueline Hansen):


My healing journey using the power of visualization is featured in David R. Hamilton's book, "How Your Mind Can Heal Your Body-Anniversary Edition." It's available on Amazon.