Bend, Don't Break: A Memoir of Endurance [Paperback]

Reading about O'Mara's battle can be harrowing, but in the end it's inspiring. O'Mara already was among my heroes...After reading this book, he's even more of one.  Arkansas Democrat-GazetteVictory is a life well lived or a day enjoyed.Limerick man Frank OMara had the athletics career most only dream of, competing for Ireland in three Olympic Games and breaking Irish and world records. After his retirement from running, he settled in the US with his family and made his way to the top of the telecoms industry.Then at age forty-eight, his life changed forever when he was diagnosed with early onset Parkinsons disease. The progression was rapid, causing severe muscle cramps, tremors, and eventually the inability to walk and at times even speak.In this inspiring memoir, Frank recounts his battle with Parkinsons. At first in denial, he eventually found the strength that made him successful as an athlete and in business  using determination, and humour to weather the worst phases of the disease. He learned to face each hurdle as he came to it: to bend, but not break.One mans life-affirming story of facing adversity with grace and courage.Victory is a life well lived or a day enjoyed.In this inspiring memoir, Frank recounts his life and experiences as an elite runner, as well as his fourteen-year battle with Parkinsons Disease. He is well aware that Parkinsons will ultimately win, but he is determined to not get ahead of himself, as after all tomorrow is another day. Reading about O'Mara's battle can be harrowing, but in the end it's inspiring. O'Mara already was among my heroes...After reading this book, he's even more of one. Prologue: Sometimes you have to accept the unbelievableCome and get your lovePlay the role as scriptedDon't Fixate on worst-case scenariosDon't be discouragedKeep your wordGreat Results require great riskBlock out distractionsStick with itStand for somethingDon't look beyond your headlightsTake responsibilityKeep an open mindTake a Wall£m