The 6th Annual Middlemiss Big Heart 5K - Part I - Epic!

The 6th Annual Middlemiss Big Heart 5K posted this on Facebook early Saturday morning:


The beginnings of an absolutely beautiful day. In a few short hours this field will be full of over 1000 smiling, happy faces, and we can’t wait ! It’s going to be an absolutely beautiful race day ! Today is not only about a race but it is about a community coming together to support each other and there is nothing better then that ..❤️



From Race Director Dave McGillivray:
For so many reason, this morning’s Middlemiss Big Heart 5K, Celebrity Mile and Kid’s Fun Run were epic. All the folks dressed in Superhero costumes. The smile on the kid’s faces doing the fun runs. The generous celebrities returning to do the Celebrity Mile. About 20 inspiring Team Hoyt duo’s participating. The record field for the 5K. Add to that the surprise and public notification to Rick and Dick Hoyt that they will be inducted into the USA Triathlon Hall of Fame in Tempe, AZ in January and the FaceTime live from Kevin Lacoste and what more could you ask for. The only bummer for me was after training all year to seek revenge and beat little Jack Middlemiss (my fellow heart warrior) in the Celebrity Mile and once again he nipped me at the finish line!! There’s always next year!

Scott had this to say about Jack's performance at the Celebrity Mile:

Kate Daigle Middlemiss only wanted Jack to run the first 50 yards of the Celebrity Mile. But, our beautiful, brave, and feisty heart warrior, who received his new heart on 2/16/18, had other ideas. Jack just kept going, and ran the whole quarter of a mile lap, edging out running legend, Dave McGillivray, at the finish line for the second year in a row! A special moment for our family. #becauseofadonor






An epic moment at the Celebrity Mile when Becca Pizzi, the women's winner, shared the moment with Chaz Davis:




From Ali LaCoste:
Yesterday was an all around beautiful day filled with emotion, support, care, and love. My Facebook feed was bombarded with pictures of hundreds of people supporting an amazing foundation. Though our families have experienced, though different, major tragedies, we were there- smiling, laughing, crying, missing our honored loved ones and being lifted by the hundreds of people who came to make sure we never felt alone. Reflecting- we had friends from all parts of our lives.... work, college, community- I only wish I had more time to talk to everyone for a longer time.

The Middlemiss family has helped us so much through this journey. Kate Daigle Middlemiss knows exactly what to say to me when I’m feeling hopeless or lost in despair. Scott Middlemiss has provided us with a plethora of support from cards, to items that make Kevin more comfortable, to an invaluable friendship that I know is built on much more than our sad stories.

Last night, after arriving at Spaulding, I shared, with Kevin, all of the posts, videos, and pictures from the race yesterday. He vowed to be there next year- and to race, in some capacity, in the future. I’m going to hold him to that promise.

Kevin LaCoste and Scott Middlemiss became fast friends 3 years ago when they teamed up as Principal and Vice Principal at the Col. Robinson School in Westford. This past July, Kevin suffered a traumatic spinal cord injury. Kevin ran two Boston Maporathons for The Joseph Middlemiss Big Heart Foundation.

On the eve of race day, Ali posted this on Facebook:
Tonight Kevin and I sat in his room at Spaulding and thought about the Middlemiss Big Heart 5k that we’ve been running for the past 3 years. When Kevin met Scott, and learned about Joseph’s beautiful, too short life, he immediately knew that this was a special team to join. He purchased a singlet before we left that first race- and hasn’t run a race since without representing team Big Heart. It’s become part of who he is. And the mission of the Joseph Middlemiss Big Heart Foundation has come out full force since Kevin’s accident. We can’t even fathom the number of people that his accident has affected- nor the number of people who have played a part in showing kindness to our family. Joseph would be so proud of his “team” as should his parents Scott Middlemiss and Kate Daigle Middlemiss. It’s truly the work of an angel. Our family will always keep this special boy and his mission close to our hearts.

Tomorrow, Natalie, Colin, and I will represent the “LaCoste Strong” team. We never thought we’d be in this position, but nonetheless, we are. We’ll wear our shirts proudly to honor Kevin and his fight. We’ll channel energy and love from Joseph and run ( or in my case- shuffle) those three miles for Kevin.

The 6th Annual Middlemiss Big Heart 5K was epic as an event and for individuals attending the event. It was a day to celebrate superheroes and the life of one very special superhero, Joseph Scott Middlemiss who left this world too soon at the age of 6 years old. We celebrated the strength of families triumphing over tragedy through community and the sport of running.

On a deeply personal level, it was an epic event for Team McManus. We ran our first race together since January of 2018. Our daughter Ruth Anne endured 14 hospitalizations rife with medication trials and error (mostly error) and no diagnosis until August of this year when the Divine guided me to identify that infections and an autoimmune response to infections causing inflammation in the brain were responsible for her neuropsychiatric condition.

On our way to Dracut from Brookline, I checked Facebook and saw this post from my dear friend David Brown:
shhh The bat car is in the shop but on my way to Dracut


When we arrived at the 5K, David seemed to appear out of nowhere. He introduced us to Chaz Davis, a visually impaired elite runner who was also running in the Celebrity Mile. Chaz went off and David and I took a few minutes to get caught up. He was so loving, kind and supportive of our journey.

As we headed to registration, we had a Bermuda-like reunion with Brad and Linda Gilbreth. When we met Brad and Linda at the starting line of the 2018 Bermuda Half Marathon, we knew we wanted to get more involved with Team Big Heart. We know in our hearts that Joseph brought us together. It was an emotional reunion as time almost stood still from that moment in January to September 28, 2019.

We made our way to registration for bib and t-shirt pick up and then headed to Team Zoe's table in the parking lot. Zoe had open heart surgery as an infant. She is doing well and we celebrate her as a heart warrior at the event.



There were magical connections and meet ups at ever turn.

We met Jane Rogers on line when Tom was running the Falmouth Road Race for The Joseph Middlemiss Big Heart Foundation. She saw my post about Kindness Rocks for Joey and how we were raffling them off for donations.. She thought they were awesome and made a donation. Even though she didn't win the raffle I gifted her one since Will, creator of Kindness Rocks sent me extras. After receiving the Kindness Rocks and learning more about the Foundation, she signed up to be part of Team Zoe. Tom and Jane met in person for the first time at the event!



As Dan Clark sang the National Anthem, we spotted Bea D'Angelo across the track.


During these past 3 years, Bea, a fellow member of L Street Running Club has followed Ruth Anne's journey praying for relief and that she find a healing path. It was an emotional reunion.

To be continued....

To your health and wellness
From my heart to yours
Mary

Be sure to visit my website at www.marymcmanus.com

Hear my interview with Kendra Petrone on Magic 106.7's Exceptional Women Show by following this link

My books are available on Amazon and "Feel the Heal" and "The Adventures of Runnergirl 1953" are available in Natick Center Cultural District at Paula Romero Dunbar's Celebration Boutique Paper Fiesta coincidentally located on Mile 10 of the Boston Marathon Route.

Countdown to 6th Annual Middlemiss Big Heart 5K - Part III

After this morning's meditation, the sun was streaming through our bedroom window. As I have done on so many mornings, I wanted to capture the sunlight just so with the rays emanating out onto our lawn and into the world to share on Facebook.

This is the photo that came out:


A heart and a clearly visible green orb:
Green Orbs

In spiritual practice, green is associated with the heart. It is also associated with nature. Green orbs are sometimes thought to be an indication of the presence of a human spirit as opposed to one that was never on Earth in human form. Likewise, green orbs may represent love or oneness with nature.

I felt that Joseph was nudging me to write a part III for tomorrow's 6th Annual Middlemiss Big Heart 5K.

Scott shared this moment from the 2017 5K as part of the commemoration of Joseph's passing last year:
September 23, 2017

So, today has been a day filled with mixed emotions. But, we continue to be blessed by the love and support of so many beautiful and wonderful people who continue to love Joseph and help us share his legacy of love and kindness. So, thank you all.

I have been looking through all the amazing pictures. And, this one just jumped out at me. I have gone back to look at it multiple times. There is so much inspiration, kindness, and beauty in this picture.

The other day, we asked our friend Rachel {who lives with cerebral palsy} to design a race that she wanted to participate in, to finish. This was her special race. And, she did such an amazing job and made the turn for the finish line with a big smile on her face and as strong as ever. This is Rachel crossing the finish line of HER race. And, it was amazing...topped off by the incredible Dick Hoyt presenting Rachel with a special "Superhero" medal.

This alone is amazing and beautiful. But, it is not the whole story that this picture tells. There is another runner in the picture. #378. His name is Danforth Sullivan. He was coming in to finish the 5K first overall at some ridiculously fast pace. No doubt he was going to finish under 18 minutes, something I cannot even fully comprehend. He was finishing up strong and then came upon Rachel finishing her race. So he stopped, slowed down, and let her finish, have her moment, losing valuable seconds to his own personal finish. And, where some may have been upset or tried to finish ahead of Rachel, he slowed down to cheer her on. And finished with a smile...celebrating this special moment.

I didn't know that this happened until I saw the picture. Come to find out that Danforth is a member of Team Zoe, the biggest super team. Thank you, Danforth Sullivan, for being a special part of this amazing moment. Joseph was definitely smiling down at this exact moment. I can feel it.



We were trained and ready to run last year's Superhero 5K but we were shell shocked by what was happening with our daughter Ruth Anne and her yet to be diagnosed neuropsychiatric condition that wreaked havoc with her and our household.

When I emailed Jennifer Sprague, Kate Middlemiss and Andrea Walsh and then posted on FB that we would do a virtual 5K instead of heading to Dracut for the race, we received an outpouring of love and prayers for our journey. I was moved to tears when Jennifer sent this photo saying that "I made sure you'd be there." Jennifer and I have become close friends through Team Big Heart in part because of our shared neuromuscular conditions. Jennifer lives with MS and I live with Post-Polio Syndrome.



This year we were determined to participate in the event. We became more adept at protecting our energy and managing the stress of what was happening with Ruth Anne. We prayed and we asked for the prayers of our village. I even talked to Joseph and many angels on the other side of the veil asking for Guidance and relief for Ruth Anne and for us even if it meant a peaceful transition for her given the depths of her suffering.

Our prayers were answered. I discovered the diagnosis of PANS and advocated for a cleanse of the toxic meds she was on and told the doctor to put her on a regimen that is the least toxic and had been the most effective. Ruth Anne felt a glimmer of hope as we put the pieces of the puzzle together and I became fierce with the medical system. As it turned out, she had a severe urinary tract infection which was affecting her mental status as well. We got to a specialist who made the diagnosis of chronic interstitial cystitis which explained her chronic pain, intermittent infections and exacerbation of neuropsychiatric symptoms that led her to maladaptive behaviors in an attempt to alleviate the pain both physical and mental.

With a rigorous course of antibiotics, a lot of supportive therapy, a program at BU for Psychiatric Rehabilitation and close follow up with her psychiatrist to tweak meds as needed, and her commitment to making changes in behaviors, there was a dramatic shift in her functioning.

Running has been a part of her life ever since we ran the 2009 Boston Marathon but with all of the hospitalizations and chronic pain, she was unable to run.

Two weeks ago we asked her to join Team Big Heart and registered her for the 5K.



We've been going on 5K training runs and we are all race ready!

At tomorrow's event there is going to be a gathering of like-hearted people who will support The Joseph Middlemiss Big Heart Foundation and #lacostestrong.. We will commemorate and celebrate Joseph's life and legacy, heart warriors and superheroes of all kinds among us and feel the magic that always happens around the Middlemiss Family.

We'd love to see you there or have you sign up for a virtual run by following this link.

There will be on site registration.

A kids run around the track with distance depending on age. Here is a picture of heart warrior Zoe from last year's race:


A Celebrity Mile:


The 5K and an after party with a Penny Candy Garden Party, bouncy house and carnival rides for children of all ages.

The 6th Annual Middlemiss Big Heart 5K is going to be the best race ever.

See you at the starting line.....
To your health and wellness
From my heart to yours
Mary

Be sure to visit my website at www.marymcmanus.com

Hear my interview with Kendra Petrone on Magic 106.7's Exceptional Women Show by following this link

My books are available on Amazon and "Feel the Heal" and "The Adventures of Runnergirl 1953" are available in Natick Center Cultural District at Paula Romero Dunbar's Celebration Boutique Paper Fiesta coincidentally located on Mile 10 of the Boston Marathon Route.

The Art of Being Present: On Rest and Idleness

The Art of Being Present from Feel the Heal: An Anthology of Poems to Heal Your Life:

Each moment is a blank canvas
smudges and splotches only in mind's eye
raindrops from the heart
wash away the past.
Each moment is an opportunity
overflowing with possibility.

How shall I paint this moment?

My portrait once a still life
now
in stillness
life force leaps

dancer
lover of life
a geyser of joy
a river of happiness
gratitude flows
fragrant flowers sweetness
strong roots
lit with softness of sun's tender embrace
back from the edge
the ledge between life and death
creating the masterpiece of my life
one breath at a time.

I usually blog about exercise, running, races and my health and wellness journey. It's rare for me to write about rest and recovery yet those days are a vital part of a health and fitness regimen. I take Thursdays and Fridays as rest and recovery days. On Thursdays I see my chiropractor, Dr. Lizzie Sobel. Fridays I am mindful about taking it as a total rest and recovery day doing light housework, stretching and grocery shopping but no strength training or cardio workouts.

I had not had a rest day on Friday the week before last. I had to take our daughter to a doctor's appointment and joyfully accompanied a friend to the Abilities Expo. I realized that, with the upcoming 6th Annual Joseph Middlemiss Big Heart 5K, I needed an extra rest day. After a spectacular training run on Saturday, we headed to our happy place Falmouth on Olde Cape Cod.

We got up early, had breakfast at one of our favorite haunts and headed to the beach. I was mesmerized by the waves lapping along the shore and felt amazingly content to just sit and be:



Tom took time to read and coincidentally found a passage about Idleness while we were sitting on the beach from the book, 'Deep Work.'



"Idleness is not just a vacation, an indulgence or a vice; it is as indispensable to the brain as Vitamin D is to the body, and deprived of it we suffer a mental affliction as disfiguring as rickets...it is paradoxically, necessary to getting any work done."

As in life and when training, idleness and rest are vital to being able to function at an optimal level.

One of the factors that contributed to my burnout as a social worker and led to the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome, was that I did not allow time for rest and idleness. I was in a constant state of adrenal overload and I know I am not alone in this.

Writing poetry allowed me time and space to be in the present moment creating a life very different from my past and a future very different from the one the doctors predicted for me. I'd lose all track of time and through the power of my imagination, inspired healing mind, body and soul. So while some may say that idle hands are the devil's playmate, there are times when we need to be idle, rest and recharge and embrace the gift of the present moment.

To your health and wellness
From my heart to yours
Mary

Be sure to visit my website at www.marymcmanus.com

Hear my interview with Kendra Petrone on Magic 106.7's Exceptional Women Show by following this link

My books are available on Amazon and "Feel the Heal" and "The Adventures of Runnergirl 1953" are available in Natick Center Cultural District at Paula Romero Dunbar's Celebration Boutique Paper Fiesta coincidentally located on Mile 10 of the Boston Marathon Route.

Countdown to the 6th Annual Middlemiss Big Heart 5K - Part II

Yesterday was Joseph Scott Middlemiss' sixth angelversary as I wrote about in Countdown to the 6th Annual Middlemiss Big Heart 5K Part I.

Joseph is the forever 6 year old son of Kate and Scott Middlemiss. From Kate and Scott's eulogy:
Has the road always been easy and pain free? Certainly not. There have been mountains to climb and many tears to shed. You have overcome things that grown adults cannot even fathom. And, after the pain, after the tears, you would always look to us and speak the same words, “That wasn’t so bad, was it??” You would move on and smile and find a way to embrace joyful life even in the halls of a hospital or the confines of a doctor’s office. It didn’t matter where you were because your infectious smile and boisterous laugh turned every setting into your own personal playground.

Joseph Scott, you have been fighting from the moment you were born. Well, even before that moment. You see, when you were still in mommy’s belly, the doctors didn’t think you were viable. They thought you were filled with too many abnormalities to be allowed to enter our world. We were so so scared but we trusted in God’s plan for you. We now believe that this faith, this trust, this grace is part of what helped to ignite your fiery, life filled spirit.

The doctors were right in one sense. You were born with many medical imperfections, but the real irony of it all is that you came into this world with one very big, enlarged heart. Perhaps this is what shortened your lifespan here on earth but it certainly symbolized the immeasurable love, faith, joy, and grace you shed on so many. Our boy with the BIG HEART was sent with an enormous mission to complete. You did this flawlessly.

As I looked out my window yesterday morning as we were getting to go on our early morning run, this magnificent sky greeted me:


I have kept an Early Morning Light Album of photos I have taken during the early morning hours. I have never seen a sky with those colors perfectly painted on the canvas of the Divine. I felt Joseph's presence and the call to action to be conscious of being kind honoring Joseph's remarkable legacy of loving and living life to the full, kindness and joy. While I try to be kind every day, on his birthday and angelversary the Team Big Heart community shares the acts of kindness they perform in Joseph's memory.



Team McManus decided that we would greet everyone we encountered on our 5K run with Good Morning, a smile and wishing them a wonderful day. Many people and runners had their head phones on and were in the zone unaware of our presence but many more would come out of themselves and greet us often saying thank you. We made it a challenge to see if we could elicit a response when someone looked like they were down or were zoned into their ear pieces. It was a joyful experience for giver and receiver to spread joy first thing in the morning. {For more on the benefits of kindness on giver and receiver please check out the work of Dr. David Hamilton.)

We were treated to splendor in nature during our run:


It looked as though there was a dove in the clouds and we saw lots of angel wings.

We took a selfie proudly wearing our Team Big Heart and LaCoste Strong shirts. Kevin is a dear friend who we met through Kate and Scott. He is recovering from a traumatic spinal cord injury he suffered in July.



As we approached the school on our street at the end of our run, we continued spreading love and good cheer. You could feel the positive energy ripple through the Heath School Community.

I had to run a few errands after our run. My first stop was Star Market. The usual outgoing and friendly woman who usually works at Customer Service was bagging groceries. When I greeted her and noticed she was not her usual self, I asked her if everything was okay. She told me what was bothering her and thanked me so much for caring. She said that she was going to make time for herself during the day and enjoy the weather.

Next up was Walgreens. A lovely woman greeted me and asked me if I needed any help. I asked her where the dental care section was. She walked me over to the section and with a big smile extended her hand and said "Here you go." I thanked her and said, "Has anyone told you today how wonderful you are?" "No," she said. "Thank you. I'm going to carry that with me through the rest of the day."

Random acts of kindness need not cost any money although surprising someone with a gift card, paying for someone's parking meter, buying flowers are always warmly appreciated. There were ripples of love and kindness sent throughout our community as we remembered and honored Joseph.

Dr. David Hamilton wrote this great article about The 3-Degree Ripple Rule of Kindness.

Since 2014, The Joseph Middlemiss Big Heart Foundation has hosted a Superhero 5K as a fund raiser but also as a fun raiser to celebrate and commemorate Joseph and to honor heart warriors in the community. This year, for the first year, they are having a race beneficiary that ties in with the Foundation's first goal:
"To expand The Joseph Middlemiss 'All You Need is Love' Mission, fostering the spread and documentation of Random Acts of Kindness on local, national, and international fronts."

This year's beneficiary is The LaCoste Family.

As we countdown to the 6th Annual Middlemiss Big Heart 5K, I'd like to invite you to to register for the race in person, or for a virtual 5K by following this link.



There will be a Celebrity Mile where you can cheer on your favorite local celebrities and see a rematch between Jack Middlemiss, superhero heart transplant recipient and Dave McGillivray, superhero, author and heart warrior after bypass surgery a year ago.




There will be 2 days of bib pickup prior to the race at ML Shaw's 14 Loon Hill Road Dracut:
Thursday, September 26, 2019 – 3:00p-7:00p
Friday, September 27, 2019 – 3:00p-7:00p

Saturday 9/28:
Registration and Bib Pick Up: 7:00am
Kids Run: 9:30 am
Celebrity Mile: 10:00 am
5K: 10:30 am
After party

All abilities are welcome and everyone is celebrated as this community of kindness and love gathers to commemorate and celebrate Joseph Scott Middlemiss, resilience, the sport of running and reminding us all that when it comes right down to it, all we need is love and a good run to get through whatever life may hand us.

From my heart to yours
In health and wellness,
Mary


Be sure to visit my website at www.marymcmanus.com

Hear my interview with Kendra Petrone on Magic 106.7's Exceptional Women Show by following this link

My books are available on Amazon and "Feel the Heal" and "The Adventures of Runnergirl 1953" are available in Natick Center Cultural District at Paula Romero Dunbar's Celebration Boutique Paper Fiesta coincidentally located on Mile 10 of the Boston Marathon Route.

Countdown to the 6th Annual Middlemiss Big Heart 5K Part I

On Saturday's training run, Team McManus prepared for next Saturday's 6th Annual Middlemiss Big Heart 5K.



while holding angel Joseph Scott Middlemiss and superheroes Kevin and Ali LaCoste close in our hearts. I could easily walk next Saturday's event at an easy pace but as I thought about Joseph and how he greeted life with the tenacity of a superhero whatever the challenge, and Kevin pushing himself to his limits as he recovers from a traumatic spinal cord injury, I knew I couldn't settle.



It was an unseasonably warm September day in Boston. Tom, Ruth Anne and I warmed up together and Tom took off to do his 11 miler getting ready to represent Team Big Heart at the BAA Half Marathon in a few weeks.

Ruth Anne let me set the pace while we were also mindful of hydration and taking a pause to take in the spectacular views and flowers we saw along the way.



Although we never met Joseph during his time in his physical body, his parents, Kate and Scott share stories and created The Joseph Middlemiss Big Heart Foundation to keep his remarkable legacy alive.

From Scott and Kate's eulogy:
As we put your earthly body to rest, we promise to be ambassadors of your message: To carry on your joyful song and passion for each of life’s precious moments. As you went to bed each night, you smiled and exclaimed, “This was the best day of my life!” We promise to continue your mission, to spread your love, and to help others embrace the simple joys that each day brings. We will strive to make EVERY day the best day of our lives. We love you our beautiful, beautiful, beautiful, beautiful boy. Now and forever.

One of the ways they anticipated today and Joseph's sixth angelversary was to share what people said about him. This is from Wayne Morris, Joe's PT at Tyngsboro Elementary School. from Preschool to Grade 1. Joe loved Wayne. Joe and Wayne had a very special relationship, and will always be remembered as a an amazing and special person in Joseph's life.

Kate, Scott, Jack and Extended Family,
I have been amazed but not at all surprised by the number of messages from people who are touched by Joey’s life, even though they had never met him. Having had the distinct honor of being Joey’s physical therapist since he entered TES, and having two “playdates” a week since that time, I wanted to focus on my memories of this wonderful little person. Initially, as with all new relationships starting in childhood, both of us were a bit apprehensive how things would go. After all I was a much bigger “kid” than Joey and I had some trepidation about playing too rough with him. I was pleasantly surprised by how much spunk this little guy exhibited. At first, he was cautious about attempting challenging games, but I could see he was a determined little bugger. He learned to walk the blue bridge without “falling in the water” and eventually moved on to the narrower orange bridge. Around that same time, he also learned a jumping spin move which he would use to dismount the bridge. He would turn and give a huge smile as if to say, “Yes, I am Spiderman.” And speaking of Spiderman, Joey loved when he came to the room and was greeted with a Spiderman punching bag. Although instructed to only use a left, right arm punching motion (for coordination purposes, of course), Spiderman was quickly being body slammed and kicked in the ankles. I still have the bag sitting in my garage in need of tape and with beans placed in the base to allow it to stand upright again. Joey progressed in his ability to ride a tricycle, initially using footplates to hold his feet on the pedals, to riding a bike with training wheels. There was one constant throughout these cycling sessions: Joey would ask me to take him to visit his daddy’s office to say hi and get a hug. How cool was that! He also became quite a balloon tennis player during this period, naturally with the obligatory spin moves to accentuate the overhand smash.

Another constant during those early years was when we finished our "playdates”, either Mom, Mem or Nana was there to pick up Joey. I saw from the start Joe had the ultimate support of a loving, caring extended family and told of multiple hours spent with his many cousins, aunts and uncles or of weekends at Ogunquit playing in the “pine grove” (which sounded like an interesting spot). It was obvious how cool this dude was when a big party was thrown for him and he came decked out in a Jason Miraz chapeau and belted out one of his tunes in front of a sizable audience. Watching Joey play the ukulele, guitar and drums on the stage built specifically for him by a group of caring volunteers further cemented the fact that this kid was unique and universally loved by an extended fan base of caring people.

As educators, there are certain students who turn the table on you, when you become the student and they the teacher. You know instantly they are really “old souls” with much wisdom and knowledge to dispense. Joey was such a person. He taught all those he touched and definitely earned the accolades and the attributes being written for him. Thanks, Joe, for being a gifted teacher. I have learned your lessons well.

P.S. For those who know me, sitting at the computer and typing has never been my strong suit. These words came easily, however, as they were written with language of the heart."

One of the ways that the Foundation raises money and brings together a community of like-hearted individuals is through the sport of running. Dave McGillivray introduced Scott to the healing power of running when he gave him a bib for the Boston Marathon shortly after Joseph earned his angel wings. Kate, Scott and Andrea Walsh created Team Big Heart.

Our daughter Ruth Anne endured 14 hospitalizations since January of 2018 for a neuropsychiatric condition and chronic infections. She had stopped running because she felt ill and medications wreaked havoc with her entire system.

After doing a lot of research and being a fierce advocate for Ruth Anne, we were able to nail down diagnoses and plot a treatment course to help her maximize her functioning and minimize the distress that the symptoms took on her mind, body and soul. I drew a lot of strength from superhero women Kate and Ali.

Ruth Anne returned to experiencing The Power of Running by training for Saturday's race.

Being a part of Team Big Heart has given her a new lease on life, a sense of purpose and belonging to a community of unconditional love and kindness.

As we poured sweat and ran with our hearts, we talked about the Middlemiss Family, Kevin and Ali and all the people we have met through this circle of love, light, strength, courage and perseverance no matter the odds; superheroes one and all!

From Kate:
From the moment you shared Ruth Anne was joining the race I was as moved. It just really touched me to see the picture of her in the big heart shirt with you and Tom. Means so much. Our foundation is certainly about love and “heart” but a big piece is also about the redemptive power is the human spirit. This race (and so much of what we do) honors the people around us who face huge adversities yet keep getting up and standing tall and fighting. It’s NOT easy. Your story, Ruth Anne’s, and your whole family exemplify this! I feel so blessed to have all of you as friends and teammates. It’s certainly a lot more than running.

We checked our splits and pace and discovered we were doing 16 and 17 minute miles which for most runners may not seem fast but as Tom always says, "For someone who is supposed to be in a wheelchair, you run pretty fast." Ruth Anne is just getting back to running and while she can do a 12 minute mile for a mile or 2, it was impressive that she could stay with me while we challenged ourselves. It's not about the ultimate time but about pushing ourselves and unleashing the superheroes within us.



When Tom wrapped up his 11 miles, we took our selfie:


We are ready to have our best race ever on Saturday.

We are ready to run with heart unleashing the superhero within raising money for race beneficiaries Kevin and Ali and their family as they navigate their way through the journey of healing and recovery after a spinal cord injury.

We come together as a community to celebrate and commemorate Joseph Scott Middlemiss who has blessed this world in life and after his physical life ended on earth.

Please join us in person or by registering for a virtual run by following this link.

In tomorrow's blog, we will continue the countdown to Saturday's race....

Please be sure to practice random acts of kindness and spread love and compassion wherever you go.

There is a How You Can Help section in my blog about #lacostestrong which you can find by following this link.

All you need is love!



From my heart to yours
Mary


Be sure to visit my website at www.marymcmanus.com

Hear my interview with Kendra Petrone on Magic 106.7's Exceptional Women Show by following this link

My books are available on Amazon and "Feel the Heal" and "The Adventures of Runnergirl 1953" are available in Natick Center Cultural District at Paula Romero Dunbar's Celebration Boutique Paper Fiesta coincidentally located on Mile 10 of the Boston Marathon Route.

On Healing, Hope and Possibility!

On May 25, 2007, just 3 years shy of when I was eligible to retire from my award winning career as a VA social worker, I took a leap of faith. I walked out of the Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic in Boston and as I sat in my yard in a toe up short leg brace using a cane for mobility, clutching a manuscript of my first book of inspirational poetry, "New World Greetings: Inspirational Poetry and Musings for a New World" I couldn't help but ask myself the question, "what have I done?" I had been diagnosed with Post-Polio Syndrome, a progressive neuromuscular disease and told I'd spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair. When I got still and asked for Divine Guidance, the poem, "Running the Race" flowed out of me. It was as though a spigot was turned on in my soul and poetry poured out of me igniting my imagination of possibilities; imagining a life very different from my current circumstances and a life in which I was free from the shackles of my past that was rife with illness and severe childhood trauma.



I had been discharged from outpatient physical therapy at Spaulding Rehab and vowed I would continue to work at my home exercise program. While my body was still deconditioned from the ravages of paralytic polio and trauma, I wrote poetry and watched Forrest Gump not understanding how or why I was doing all of this. I vaguely knew about the mind/body connection and certainly knew about the power of self-love to heal from reading Dr. Bernie Siegel's books. As serendipity would have it, in October of 2007, I was blessed to meet a personal trainer, Janine Hightower - from "The Adventures of Runnergirl 1953":

Shortly after being discharged from outpatient physical therapy I met Janine Hightower through Herb Simmons. He knew Janine through his participation in the Cardiac Rehab program at Boston Medical Center. I was launching my business New World Greeting Cards, original poetry for every occasion. She was a member of BNI, a professional networking group. As we sat in my living room, she talked about BNI and the benefits of being a member of this networking group. As she talked, I wasn’t focused on growing my business. My mind zeroed in on her sharing with us how she used BNI to promote her in home personal training business.

“You know I’m curious,” I said to Janine. “Do you think you could help me? I was just discharged from Spaulding Rehab.”

I went on to tell her about my journey.

“I don’t know,” she said “but I’d certainly be happy to set up an assessment with you.”

I couldn’t even pass the initial fitness assessment.

“You’re way too young to not be able to get off of the toilet seat without holding on to the sink or to not be able to get off of the couch,” she said to me.

It was a statement of fact without judgment. She spoke the truth about my deconditioned physical state. I signed on to work with her once a week in personal training. I had no idea what or why I was doing this. I did know that if I was going to be in pain, I’d prefer to feel the pain of recovery instead of the pain of decline. Janine held enough faith for both of us that I could come out of my leg brace and have a good quality of life despite the diagnosis and prognosis I received.

Janine’s mantra for our work together was a quote from Henry Ford, “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right!”

At my six-month evaluation in February, I made dramatic improvements in every area of the assessment. I had come out of my leg brace. I knew I was on a healing path.

“Let’s write down your goals for the next six months,” Janine said feeling proud and satisfied with my progress.

“Well I want to feel free in my body. I want to dance. I want to be able to walk outside and feel unencumbered when I take a walk.”

Janine feverishly wrote down my goals, and we worked out a plan. She gathered up her belongings and had her hand on the door knob.

“Wait. I have one more goal.”

Janine stopped and turned around.

“I want to run the Boston Marathon for Spaulding Rehab Hospital. I know they have a Race for Rehab team and I want to do it next year.”



On April 20, 2009, I crossed the finish line of the Boston Marathon:


In December of 2014, I suffered a very serious left knee injury and was told to stop running and prepare for a total knee replacement in a few years.

Once again, the Universe led me to just the person I'd need to partner with me and help me continue on my healing path. Dr. Ryan J. Means, a chiropractor, supported me mind, body and spirit to get back on the roads and continue with my quest to heal from the effects of paralytic polio and trauma. We grew a new gastroc muscle harnessing the power of the mind/body connection, KT Tape, mirror neurons and a new strength training regimen.

I went on to run 3 consecutive Bermuda Half Marathons in 2016, 2017 and 2018.

I felt compelled to do a threepeat in Bermuda as a test, a testament and a testimony to the message of healing, hope and possibility that I send out to inspire others who are facing challenges and obstacles in their lives.

As I sat in a leg brace using a cane and at times a wheelchair for mobility, I did not know that one day I would run the Boston Marathon and discover the healing power of running and the love of the running community.

I imagined a life of healing harnessing faith and hope to fuel my journey and opened the portal to possibility.

One of our dear friends and Team Big Heart teammate, Kevin LaCoste and his wife Ali have been inspired by my recovery from the effects of paralytic polio and trauma. We need to fuel their journey as Kevin recovers from a traumatic spinal cord injury as I wrote about in my recent blog post.

Here's How You Can Help:
For the remodel immediate funds can be donated to:
Venmo money to Nancy Cook at Nancy-Cook-25
Send Nancy a check: P.O. Box 869 Westford 01886
Send a check to: Kevin LaCoste Building Fund
Jean D’Arc Credit Union
196 Littleton Rd.
Westford MA, 01886

Supplies and trades needed:


Donate to the GoFundMe Page by following this link

Be a part of the Lotsa Helping Hands community by following this link.

Register for the 6th Annual Middlemiss Big Heart 5K happening on 9/28 by following this link. The LaCoste family is the beneficiary for the race.

Donate to Kevin Staffin's NYC Marathon Run. Once he reaches his goal of $3000 by race day, he will be required to don a Red Sox uniform. Kevin is a die hard Yankees fan but for his friend Kevin, he will go the distance and do whatever it takes to raise money. You can donate to Kevin's run by following this link

Attend Trivia Night:


From my heart to yours,
In Health and Wellness,
Mary


Be sure to visit my website at www.marymcmanus.com

Hear my interview with Kendra Petrone on Magic 106.7's Exceptional Women Show by following this link

My books are available on Amazon and "Feel the Heal" and "The Adventures of Runnergirl 1953" are available in Natick Center Cultural District at Paula Romero Dunbar's Celebration Boutique Paper Fiesta coincidentally located on Mile 10 of the Boston Marathon Route.

#LaCoste Strong - A Community of Love, Kindness and Big Hearts

Team McManus stood at the starting line of the 2018 Bermuda Half Marathon and "just happened" to meet Linda and Brad Gilbreth wearing Team Big Heart Shirts.


We knew about The Joseph Middlemiss Big Heart Foundation from when we volunteered at the Celebrity Mile in July 2016 but once we met Linda and Brad, we were magically drawn into Team Big Heart.

During the 2018-2019 Boston Marathon training season, Tom and I would do a 5K on Heartbreak Hill and then cheer on members of Team Big Heart at the Team Big Heart Tent/aid station for runners:


As Ali LaCoste said in a recent Facebook post, "We had an eerie close connection ever since we met!"

Ali's husband Kevin is the Principal at the same school where Scott Middlemiss is the Assistant Principal. Pretty amazing how this tapestry of life works, eh?



Kevin was training for his 2nd Boston with Team Big Heart. As so often happens in running, Ali and I became instant friends.

Here's a photo of Kevin and his fellow Ninja Turtles during Superhero Saturday long run and during Hops21 long run:


We kibbutzed at the Celebrity Scoopfest where Kevin was a celebrity scooper:


In July, we saw a Facebook post that caught our breath. Kevin had been injured in a freak accident and was in critical condition at MGH in the ICU.



A GoFundMe page was set up within hours and donations started pouring in.

Scott set up a CaringBridge Journal

The village that surrounds went with Ali on that emotional roller coaster ride in the days and weeks following the accident as we waited for updates from the MGH ICU.

Kevin's Army became a Facebook group with Scott providing Andy Grammer's song, "Don't Give Up On Me" as the anthem. It is one of Kevin's favorite songs and when we learned Andy Grammer is coming to Boston on 11/1 and was asking for fans to share their Don't Give Up On Me stories, Scott made this video featuring Jack and Grace:


and the entire Col. Robinson School community made this video:


Stories were shared that regaled the kind of person Kevin is and how he has touched lives through his role as Principal, Team Big Heart Teammate, and as a beloved member of the Westford Community.

Lemonade stands, Laps for LaCoste, a Read-a-Thon, LaCoste Strong bracelets and countless events were and continue to be created to benefit Ali, Kevin and their two beautiful children. LaCoste Strong t-shirts were sold at warped speed and 3 campaigns raised over $15,000. Everyone is coming together to help raise much needed funds so that Ali and Kevin can focus on healing, not on financial stress.



We celebrated healing milestones and prayed during times of anxiety and uncertainty. Healing happened as the weeks went by and Kevin was transferred to Spaulding Rehab.

They made the best of celebrating their wedding anniversary at Spaulding Rehab with an Italian Meal and flowers provided by The Joseph Middlemiss Big Heart Foundation and an Edible Arrangement:


Ali and Kevin express so much gratitude and appreciation for Kevin being able to speak, breathe on his own and that he no longer needed a feeding tube.

Their daughter Natalie and godson Aidan made this video set to Andy Grammer's song to wish Ali and Kevin Happy Anniversary:


I was blessed to accompany Ali to last weekend's Abilities Expo in Boston. Kevin was accompanied by his Spaulding Rehab Team led by his physical therapist.

While being stuck in Boston traffic, Ali and I had a chance to talk about the journey ahead and I shared my journey as a survivor of paralytic polio and then healing after the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome. I was in awe of her grit, grace and gratitude and willingness to be open and vulnerable with me. She was inspired by my message of healing, hope and possibility.

At the Expo, Kevin and Ali were able to explore options for wheelchairs and a wheelchair van:


and had the opportunity to explore possibilities for living a full and vibrant life after a spinal cord injury:


While Kevin works in beast mode to maximize functioning in his therapies, members of Kevin's Army under the watchful eye of Nancy Cook are in beast mode adapting their dream home that they moved into only 6 months ago.

Boston's CBS Local station WBZ shared the story last night. You can see the story of this incredible army of volunteers at work by following this link.

"In that split second his life and his family’s was forever altered," Liam Martin reported in the WBZ News story. All who know and love Kevin and Ali have had our lives altered as well. Connections have been made that otherwise might not have been made through Kevin's different circles. A community that is #lacostestrong has come together weaving a powerful tapestry of love, kindness and generosity that I know is inspiring others that there is so much goodness in the world. And while none of us would have wanted this to happen, the ripples of kindness and goodness are being felt across the United States and around the globe as people wear LaCoste Strong t-shirts, run for Kevin holding him close in our hearts until he can run again


and come together in ways that give goosebumps and bring a tear to the eye.

Last weekend friends of the LaCostes had a Barn Party and raised $19,000!



But more funds are needed to help with the remodel, a van, a wheelchair, uncovered medical expenses, personal care and family expenses.

How you can help:

For the remodel immediate funds can be donated to: ***UPDATE 10/12*** The remodel was completed and Kevin was discharged today from Spaulding Rehab to a completely handicapped accessible home. Follow this link to a recent Fox25 News story.
Venmo money to Nancy Cook at Nancy-Cook-25
Send Nancy a check: P.O. Box 869 Westford 01886
Send a check to: Kevin LaCoste Building Fund
Jean D’Arc Credit Union
196 Littleton Rd.
Westford MA, 01886

Supplies and trades needed: ***EVERYTHING WAS DONATED OR FUNDED THROUGH THE TOWN AND COMMUNITY KNOWN AS KEVIN'S ARMY***


9/23 update:
The amount of work done at the LaCoste home this weekend has been amazing! We are getting there, but there is still a lot of work to be done!

KNOWLEDGEABLE CARPENTERS NEEDED!
MONDAY-FRIDAY 2PM-7PM
SATURDAY 9/28 8:30AM-3:30PM
SUNDAY 9/29 8:30AM-3:30PM
PLEASE EMAIL LaCosteremodel@gmail.com for more details. Please share if you know a carpenter that may be available.

Donate to the GoFundMe Page by following this link

Be a part of the Lotsa Helping Hands community by following this link.

Register for the 6th Annual Middlemiss Big Heart 5K happening on 9/28 by following this link. The LaCoste family is the beneficiary for the race.

Donate to Kevin Staffin's NYC Marathon Run. Once he reaches his goal of $3000 by race day, he will be required to don a Red Sox uniform. Kevin is a die hard Yankees fan but for his friend Kevin, he will go the distance and do whatever it takes to raise money. You can donate to Kevin's run by following this link

Attend Trivia Night:


Share this story with your friends and family. Send prayers and healing energy and hold the intention for a complete recovery for Kevin.

And remember: Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.

From my heart to yours,
In Health and Wellness,
Mary


Be sure to visit my website at www.marymcmanus.com

Hear my interview with Kendra Petrone on Magic 106.7's Exceptional Women Show by following this link

My books are available on Amazon and "Feel the Heal" and "The Adventures of Runnergirl 1953" are available in Natick Center Cultural District at Paula Romero Dunbar's Celebration Boutique Paper Fiesta coincidentally located on Mile 10 of the Boston Marathon Route.