Mary Jane

Mary Jane Torrie walks proudly with her
physiotherapist, Araceli Landaburu,
& occupational therapist, Elaine Chan

Marathon runner learns to walk again

In the fall of 2008, Mary Jane Torrie, a 54-year old elementary school principal and mother of three, was more active than ever. Motivated by the exhilaration and excitement of running a New York City marathon two years earlier, Mary Jane was anxiously preparing for a half-marathon in Toronto. But, her training came to an unexpected halt: Mary Jane suffered a stroke. Her prognosis: She would never walk again.

"I arrived at St. John's Rehab in a wheelchair, distraught, but not defeated. I was ready to begin the difficult road to recovery. It took one year and countless hours of specialized physiotherapy before I could do the one goal I dreamed about: I walked out the hospital doors on my own.

I'm now back at work, enjoying each day to the fullest, and about to embark on one of the most exciting journeys of my life.

On December 17, I had the privilege of participating in the official Olympic Torch Relay as it passed through Toronto en route to Vancouver. During this remarkable journey, I remember all those who have helped me along the way. I can hold my head high thanks to the clinicians at St. John's Rehab who have helped make my dreams a reality, one step at a time."

Thanks to the generous support of family and friends, Mary Jane has raised over $10,000 for outpatient physiotherapy at St. John's Rehab.