Stories of Strength
Rose’s Story
My journey on the Race for Rehab Team began in 2016. My brother, diagnosed with a neurological disorder, had begun outpatient rehab at Spaulding. Despite the degenerative nature of the disease, his physical therapy included both strength and balance work, and the videos shared by his physical therapist were inspiring. Joining the Race for Rehab team was a way for me share what Spaulding has done for him, and to support the work they continue to do helping patients thrive in their rehabilitation. Through two marathons, being a member of this team, and this community, has been incredible. You know the work you are doing, and the funds you are raising, will help provide others with the same inspiration that Spaulding and their therapists have provided me and my family.
Matt’s Story
At age 14 on March 30, 2007, I was hit in the head by a line drive during my first Varsity Baseball practice at Hamilton-Wenham Regional High School. I suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) with a fractured skull and bleeding in my brain. After a week at Children’s Hospital, I was transferred to Spaulding Rehab, which I called home for a month. The area of the brain where I got hit controls most of the human’s cognitive learning abilities so during my stay at Spaulding, I had to relearn how to walk, talk, feel and read, while also working to regain the strength that I lost while lying in a hospital bed. The staff at Spaulding was (and is!) top notch and I am so grateful for everything they did for me so that I could be the person I am today. It was a dream of mine to run the Boston Marathon. I’m extremely honored and proud to be part of the Race for Rehab Team, raising awareness and funds for Spaulding.
Mary’s Story
In December of 2006, Spaulding Rehab’s International Rehab Center for Polio made the diagnosis for symptoms that plagued me for ten years. While the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome, a progressive neuromuscular disease, terrified me at first, an incredible team of providers gave me hope for my future. One physical therapist in particular believed that I was not destined for a life in a wheelchair and helped me to reclaim my life and well-being. In February of 2008, I felt a calling to run the 2009 Boston Marathon although I had never run a day in my life! I knew about the Race for Rehab Team and wanted to pay it forward by running for Spaulding. My husband and daughter did not want me to train and run the marathon alone. Truth be told they didn’t think I was serious about it but I certainly was. From that first meeting in the old Spaulding Hospital conference room, to training runs and to an amazing experience on race day, Team McManus has memories to last a lifetime. We raised $10,535 and I conquered my limitations and Heartbreak Hill after 7 hours and 49 minutes from Hopkinton to Boston on April 20, 2009.
