Bend, Don't Break: A Memoir of Endurance

Frank OMara, an Irish athlete who competed in three Olympic Games and set Irish and world records, was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinsons disease at age forty-eight. Despite the rapid progression of the disease, he used determination and humor to overcome it and continues to live a life of victory.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 10 February 2024
Publisher: O'Brien Press Ltd

Victory 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 Parkinson's 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 Parkinson's. At first, in denial, he eventually found the strength that made him successful as an athlete and in business – using determination and humor 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 man's life-affirming story of facing adversity with grace and courage.

Weight: 425g
Dimension: 228 x 155 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781788494373