Bend, Don't Break

A Memoir of Endurance

‘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 Parkinson’s Disease.  He is well aware that Parkinson’s will ultimately win, but he is determined to not get ahead of himself, as after all tomorrow is another day.

‘Victory is a life well lived or a day enjoyed.’

Limerick man Frank O’Mara 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 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 man’s life-affirming story of facing adversity with grace and courage.

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