Stories of Strength

Stories of Strength

Dan’s Story

There is a common expression that people get “the bug” after completing a marathon. The emotional gratification, euphoria, and sense of affinity with the running community after crossing the finish line are what keep people coming back to 26.2. For Dan Meninger, his “bug” has endured the test of time. He’ll line up for the Boston Marathon with Spaulding’s Race for Rehab Team this April for the 10th year in a row.

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Nick’s Story

Nick’s Boston Marathon journey began 10 years ago when he was a freshman at Boston College. The day before the race, he was inspired to be on the start line and managed to secure a bib through a club on campus. The next day, he found himself on a school bus en route to the start line of the 2013 Boston Marathon, having never completed a run longer than six miles.

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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.

Tim’s Story

In October 2019, I entered the gym—like any other day—but that day forever changed my life. I experienced a hemorrhagic stroke, resulting in paralysis of my left side. My prognosis was grim. I was told it was unlikely I’d ever regain movement in my left side. But then, I was admitted to Spaulding, where I met my therapy team, the people I would spend the next year of my life with. They restored my hope and helped me achieve previously unimaginable goals. They were with me every step of the way.

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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.