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Mary McManus contracted paralytic polio in 1959 at the age of 5, suffered domestic violence and abuse to age 17. And that's just the beginning of Mary's story. Listen to us have an amazing conversation about the course of her life and her refusal to let circumstances define her. Life truly is a marathon, and Mary has journeyed well! Listen on iTunes or Listen to/download this episode here: About Mary: Mary McManus grew up in Westchester, NY and contracted paralytic polio in 1959 at the age of 5, during one of the last polio epidemics in the United States. She was at the height of her 20 year award winning career as a social worker at the VA when she was diagnosed with post polio syndrome, a progressive neuromuscular disease. She did not take the diagnosis of post polio syndrome sitting down. She embarked on a healing odyssey that began with a leap of faith as she left her social work career to heal her life and to follow her new found passion as a poet and writer. The first poem she penned in February of 2007 was "Running the Race," a foreshadowing of her 2009 Boston Marathon run. Her pen became her divining rod for healing. Mary is a 2009 Boston Marathon finisher, blogger, the author of 5 books of inspirational poetry and her memoir, "Coming Home: A Memoir of Healing, Hope and Possibility.” In her latest book, “Journey Well,” Mary rewrites the story she tells in her memoir. The facts of her past are unchanged but the pain and terror are healed. She holds a BS in Public Relations from Boston University, an MSW from Boston College and many fond memories of her social work career at the VA in her heart. She is enjoying her retirement and delights in running, swimming, fund raising, writing and sharing her inspirational journey. Mary was gracious enough to continue our conversation after this portion of the podcast ended. We had a very special conversation about the writing of her new book, Journey Well, and how important it is to give yourself the gift of time when healing from a physical or emotional injury. This recording is available exclusively to members of  the LIAM Life Coaching Community. Please consider joining this life-changing group! Mentioned in this show: Mary McManus: www.marymcmanus.com Mary's book on Amazon.com LIAM Team Life Coaching Community Subscription/Social Links: Subscribe on iTunes! Subscribe on Stitcher Radio! LIAM on Twitter: @LifeIs262 LIAM on Facebook / LifeIsAMarathon Subscribe to the LIAM Mailing List www.BruceVanHorn.com Bruce Van Horn on Twitter Bruce Van Horn on Facebook