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Print7 Healthcast: Paralytic polio
Mary McManus, overcoming polio
"I was in a full leg brace, and back then in the fifties kids taunted and teased."
With treatment, she overcame the illness.
But decades later, she got more bad news.
Mary McManus, overcoming polio
"in December of 2006, I was diagnosed with something called post polio syndrome and so I went to Spaulding Hospital and went back into a leg brace and had to use a cane and at times a wheelchair for mobility."
Health professionals say post polio syndrome is not uncommon.
Beth Grill, physical therapist, Spaulding Rehab
"We see people they've usually had a stabilization of their symptoms for up to 20 years and they come in with new complaints of weakness or fatigue".
At 55, Mary says she was not going to let the disease get her again!
She quit her job, and started strength training at home.
Mary McManus, overcoming polio
"They had me start on a whole new regimen of physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy because i had difficulty swallowing and breathing."
But therapy wasn't enough for Mary; she decided to set some pretty lofty goals, like running the Boston Marathon!
Mary McManus, overcoming polio
"I didn't even own a pair of running shoes, and so they fitted me with my first pair of running shoes with a special orthotic in the heel."
The training was grueling.
Mary McManus, overcoming polio
"It was so painful to be out in the cold, one of the symptoms of post polio is cold intolerance so I had to harness every once of mental ability to overcome the cold"
Mary overcame her obstacles though and went on to finish the marathon in 7 hours and 49 minutes.
But therapists warn that while Mary's story is inspiring, it's not for everyone.
Beth Grill, physical therapist, Spaulding Rehab
"Especially with post polio syndrome, people really need to be aware of their limitations and listen to their bodies."
If their body's telling them they're tired they need to rest and stop at that point because with post polio you can actually do more damage if you push beyond your limits.
Mary knew her limits, and was able to push her way to success.
Mary McManus, overcoming polio
"When you think things are hopeless, threes always hope, always a light, always a way."
Now Mary doesn't plan to run any marathons, these days she stays in shape by doing some light running and strengthening exercises, and she devotes a lot of her time to writing poetry and sharing her inspiring story. In fact, a documentary was shot about her story, and is due out some time this fall.
(Copyright (c) 2009 Sunbeam Television Corp. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)