Welcome to a New World of Greeting Cards

A passion for poetry

photo by: James Arzente

Mary McManus,  Boston Marathon finisher,  inspirational speaker, published poet, entrepreneur & former award winning social worker turned adversity on its head after being diagnosed with post polio syndrome in December 2006. Mary turned to writing inspirational poetry to heal her life.  She never imagined the path that would unfold before her. 

On April 20, 2009, Mary, her husband Tom and daughter Ruth Anne (Team McManus) crossed the finish line of  the 113th Boston Marathon. Team McManus raised $10,535 for Spaulding Rehab. Joe Presser, film major and Professor Geoff Poister, award winning documentarian of the Boston University College of Communication are releasing a documentary, "Keeping the Pace: The Mary McManus Story" in 2010.

Mary's story of hope and inspiration have been featured on Channel 7 News and BU Today. She has been a guest on WBZ's The Jordan Rich Show, Brookline Access Television and numerous blog talk radio shows. Click on the News and Event tab for a full listing of press coverage and public appearances.

Mary shares her healing journey with polio and post polio syndrome as an inspirational speaker. She works with Rotary Club International to join the global effort to create a polio free world with Rotary International's End Polio Now Campaign. On January 10, 2010 Mary was the associate producer on Boston's WBZ Radio The Jordan Rich Show for the show entitled:  Polio:Forgotten But Not Gone.

Mary received a BS in Public Relations from Boston University in 1976 and an MSW from Boston College in 1984.  She was inducted into Alpha Sigma Nu, the Jesuit Honor Society. Mary received a Certificate of Appreciation Award from the Blinded Veterans Association, Social Worker of the Year Award and Employee of the Month Award during her tenure at the Boston VA Medical Center. She resides in Brookline with her husband.  She is the mother of 22 year old twins. Mary's 2nd book of inspirational poetry "Set Sail for a New World: Healing a Life Through the Gift of Poetry" with a forward by Boston Radio Host Jordan Rich will be released in 2010. 

Follow Mary on Twitter: @gracefullady and connect with her on LinkedIn. 

Be sure to subscribe to Mary's blog, "Welcome to a New World"