To cope with the pain of paralytic polio at the age of 5, physical and sexual abuse from an alcoholic father and multiple surgeries, Mary McManus learned to dissociate and disconnect from her body. She had a stellar academic career and professional career as a social worker at the Department of Veterans Affairs until her body, at the age of 53, cried out for healing. In December 2006, Mary was diagnosed with post polio syndrome, a progressive neuromuscular disease related to the initial polio virus and unresolved trauma that she held in her body. She went back into a leg brace, used a wheelchair at times for mobility and was told she needed to quit her full time award winning career at the VA just 3 years 'shy' of retirement age.

Mary knew it was time to wake up and pay attention to the body she grudgingly carried around with her. Mary discovered the gift of poetry in her soul and the first poem she penned in February 2007 was called "Running the Race." She had no idea that two years later she would cross the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon. In May 2007, Mary quit her job and never looked back.

Today she is a retired award winning social worker from the VA, poet, yogini, blogger, 2009 Boton Marathon finisher who brings an inspirational message of healing, hope and possibility through her gift of poetry, her blog and how she lives her life. She is the author of 2 books of inspirational poetry, "New World Greetings:Inspirational Poetry and Musings for a New World" and "Set Sail for a New World:Healing a Life Through The Gift of Poetry. Mary is the subject of a short film documentary, "Keeping the Pace:The Mary McManus Story" which chronicles her journey on the road to the Boston Marathon. In January of this year, Mary discovered the power of yoga to heal and strengthen mind, body and spirit. She participates in 5 and 10K road races, feels healthier and more vibrant at the age of 57 (going on 58) than she ever has in her life. Mary donates her time and talent to organizations that are near and dear to her heart. She is delighted to share her journey and gift of poetry with you!

***COMING SOON*** Songs of Freedom:Poems From a Healing Odyssey inspired by her journey on the yoga mat and KMI Body Work.

Here's the trailer to "Keeping the Pace:The Mary McManus Story." Thanks to Joe Presser for his endless hours of filming and editing this documentary.