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I Am a Runner - Book Tour and Giveaway

7/9/2019

70 Comments

 
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I am a Runner:
The Memoirs of a Sepsis Survivor
by Maria Papalia-Meier & Pamela Ackerson
Genre: Inspirational Memoir

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“You’ll never be able to run again.”

From running half marathons to being the sickest person in the hospital, Maria Papalia-Meier fought the river of death, and won.

Life changing moments, amputations, and negative thoughts refused to keep her down. With her rock-hard stubbornness, positive self-empowerment and persistence, she grabbed hope and unflinching faith to face the life handed to her. Her story offers an honest, tough-love approach to defeating pre-determined opinions, and self-imposed limitations. She refused to give up or give in.

Maria Papalia-Meier is a runner. She has awoken stronger…better.

This is her story.



**On Sale for only $2.99 until July 16th!!**
Goodreads * Amazon ​

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​What I have told, and will continue to tell people…Never give up. Willpower, from the mind and heart, is the whole shebang. It’s what’s been and what will be.
I went from being the sickest person to running a half-marathon. I turned my back on the Angel of Death. It wasn’t my time. I have fought the reaper, and fought the river of death. I accepted the compelling and intimidating challenges that kept pummeling me in the face.
I merely punched back.
People are the most complex living beings in our world. I was one of those people who always exaggerated how bad I felt.
Never again. I know and understand too much. Like an inexperienced boxer in the ring, I was struck down and knocked out. But I wouldn’t let the beast keep me down. I refused to succumb to my own wallowing tears of woe.
I was no longer the same person I was before my surgeries. I wasn’t about to obsess over the negative. Reality was a kicker.
I was being realistic.
Toes don’t grow back.
I’ve accepted what has happened. I didn’t want to, but honestly, was there another option? I came to terms with what I had to do, and had every intention of controlling what I could in my life.
Here are the brutal facts:
I was in excruciating pain, with what seemed like never-ending twists of random setbacks. The beast tried to break me, make me bend in places I never thought I’d go. I refused to die. I wouldn’t give in to the weakness of surrender.
I was repulsed by my feebleness.
I shook my fist at my mortality.
I was angry.
I was terrified.
I was happy to be alive.
I was loved.
Because of all of those and many more, because of who I was, it only made me stronger. It fastened and deepened the conviction of survival in my heart.
I almost lost my life. It would’ve been a pretty hefty price to pay for a neglected strep infection.
Who knew such a minor thing could become so fatal?




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Maria Papalia-Meier is a fighter. She may have been KO'd, and down for the count, but she proved them wrong. I am a Runner is about surviving sepsis, a coma, and amputation. Maria has a BBA with an emphasis in Human Resources, and has worked for Fed-Ex for twenty years. As an athlete she has many accomplishments. Before her battle with the river of death she'd competed and ran in multiple 5K’s. She was told she'd never run again. She proved the naysayers wrong. Her athletic accomplishments include running in a 5K, and a 1/2 Marathon. 


Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Amazon

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Wife, mother, author, and time traveling adventurer. Born and raised in Newport, RI where history is a way of life, Pamela Ackerson now lives on the Space Coast of Florida, a hop, skip, and jump from Orlando, where imagination and fantasy abounds. With the love of reading, she graduated to writing non-fiction, historical fiction, time travel, and children's preschool/first reader books.


Website * Facebook * Twitter * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

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Recovery: One of the Most Difficult Things…
Maria Papalia-Meier


The recovery process takes time.
One of the first downs I had was when I got to practice running after several months of PT. I was happy when my stride hadn’t changed. I was told it would. When I tried little by little to do it on my own, my feet would hurt. The nerve pain was associated with the weather. When it was hot and humid, my feet swelled.
My left ankle would hurt and my foot even with the Orthodics would continue to roll. My 1/2 toe in the left foot would dig into the orthodic. I made multiple trips back to the doctor and PT. The gentleman at Rogerson Orthodics was able to look at my sneaker and my Orthodics and came up with a plan to help.
Even with all this, it wasn’t working. Surgery was on the table, but at the time, I didn’t or wasn’t ready. I was going to be laid up for six weeks. I signed up for the lottery to run the Peachtree in Atlanta. I decided to do it because I thought it’d help keep me motivated.
I think, at one point, I decided I wanted to pull out. But I didn’t. I took it slow. My friend who did it with me was amazing.
When I returned from Georgia, I had an appointment with my surgeon. I was supposed to run as much as I could and have my ankle hurt. That way when I had my cortisone shot we would know if it worked. The day before my appointment, I set out for a run.
Confident and excited, it ended with me falling and cutting my hand and my knees. I walked in the door and cried, “That is it. I am done. I can’t do this anymore.”
My husband Myatt let me cry and vent. Once he believed I’d cried it out, he brought me back to reality and focus.
He is good like that. When I can’t do it on my own, he has a way of helping me through it. 
When I received my shot the next day, I left out the part that I fell. Some things are better kept a secret especially when your goal is running and saying you fell while doing it wouldn’t be good.
I had the shot and it helped the pain. It didn’t last long. Later in the day, I was in tears. We were at my son’s baseball game and the tears began to fall. Thank goodness for icepacks. I think I used them all. At dinner after the game, I kept ice on my ankle to keep it as numb ad possible    
I remember telling Myatt if the shot is the only way I can run I was done! That kind of pain was too much.  
There are other avenues I tried, and they ended up at dead ends. One was a prosthetic and another was a group that helped individuals like me get back to activity. This also failed. They didn’t have anyone close to my area.  
Deciding to have the last surgery was hard. It meant being in active for six weeks. Even though the doctor felt it would work, there was no guarantee. I had the surgery. I had to stop my workouts until the pin was removed.
After healing my last opportunity was the running clinic at Spaulding Cambridge. It took months to get in for an appointment. I knew the evaluation wasn’t going to be easy. Since I’d had my surgery a few months prior, I needed to get my doctor’s approval. I managed to convince the doctor the nerve pain was okay.  
If they didn’t let me in to do the evaluation, I didn’t know what I would do. I was nervous and anxious. I talked with my trainer about what I needed and he helped make sure I was prepared.
When the day finally came, I felt so much pressure. I was so stressed. Myatt took me. Driving to and in Boston scares me. I wasn’t sure how my feet would feel after the intense evaluation.  
I was accepted! I was told there was no room on the schedule for a while which was kind of a bummer. I was anxious to start. Things ended up working for me and I started sooner than expected.
The next part was tough. I needed to be in Boston for PT 2-3 days a week. I knew Myatt wasn’t going to be able to drive me. It was time once again to do what I needed. I was scared. I’m not a native of Massachusetts, and their drivers are very aggressive.
No offense to anyone. But, if you don’t know where you’re going, the anxiety of having people speed up and cut you off is intimidating. I surprised even myself. I did it.
Little to my dismay, I didn’t start running day one. A few minutes on the treadmill didn’t count. I wasn’t allowed to run on my own until I was given the green light.
There were lots of exercises I had to do, mainly to help with balance and core. I made sure to let my trainer and PT know what exercises I was doing with each one. This helped to build my strength.
Some days I would go into PT and do great. There were days when I didn’t understand what she wanted. One day, she wanted me to grip the floor with my foot. I tried and repeatedly worked at it. It took months before I finally did it.
It clicked. This was very important. I needed to have my feet grip the floor to help me keep my ankle straight.  
There are phases and there are experts. The Orthodics were necessary when I first lost my toes. I saw one of the top foot and ankle doctors. The doctor who oversees the running clinic had a different school of thought and did away with my Orthodics and I bought regular sneakers in my new size.
Part of my stubbornness to succeed was because I told myself what I went through sucked. It changed my life. I needed to complete one goal and see it through to the end; not just for me but for my cheerleaders. I wanted them to continue to believe in me and my ability to move forward… to come back from being dead to being me.
 


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70 Comments
James Robert
7/9/2019 05:06:59 am

I appreciate getting to hear about your book. Thank you for sharing!

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Pam link
7/9/2019 09:29:40 am

This is an incredible inspirational story about a wonderful woman.

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Maria Papalia-Meier
7/9/2019 01:56:48 pm

thank you!!!

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Janet W.
7/9/2019 07:09:09 am

Sounds like a great inspirational read!

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Pam link
7/9/2019 09:30:42 am

It absolutely is! Maria won the battle of her life!

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Maria Papalia-Meier
7/9/2019 01:56:04 pm

Thank you!!! I hope you enjoy it.

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Rita Wray
7/9/2019 11:16:04 am

Sounds like a good book.

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Pam Ackerson link
7/9/2019 11:31:00 am

It is a fascinating story. I'm so impressed with this woman. And she's training for the Boston Marathon! From being told she'd never run again to training for the marathon. Amazing!

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Calvin
7/9/2019 12:24:45 pm

Quite an uplifting book to learn about this morning. I like it, keep running Maria!

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Pam Ackerson link
7/9/2019 12:27:13 pm

Absolutely! We've all had hardships but this book makes me want to do a woohoo dance!

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Maria Papalia-Meier
7/9/2019 01:55:14 pm

Thank you!!! I am hoping my book encourages other to never give up on their dreams.

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Amy F
7/9/2019 02:54:31 pm

Sounds like a very inspirational read!

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Pam link
7/10/2019 08:05:19 am

I agree!

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heather
7/9/2019 03:21:55 pm

This sounds like one that will keep me interested.

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maria papalia-meier
7/9/2019 05:05:48 pm

I hope you enjoy! I have worked really hard to run again. I am hoping my story will help inspire others. I would love to hear your comments when you are done reading.

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wendy hutton
7/9/2019 05:40:12 pm

very nice covers, good luck with the book tour

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Maria papalia-meier
7/9/2019 07:52:59 pm

Thank you !!!

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lynn clayton
7/9/2019 05:48:04 pm

love the cover looks like a great read thank you

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Pam link
7/10/2019 08:02:24 am

Thank you. The cover came together really well to tell Maria's story. :-)

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Dale Wilken
7/9/2019 06:39:12 pm

The book sounds really great.

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Maria papalia-Meier
7/9/2019 07:55:04 pm

Thank you. I hope you like it. I am hoping my story will help inspire others.

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Debbie P
7/9/2019 08:14:43 pm

This book sounds like an amazing read.

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Pam link
7/10/2019 08:03:31 am

Thank you. You will be inspired and amazed at what Maria has accomplished.

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Maria Papalia-Meier
7/10/2019 08:02:46 am

Thank you!!! Would love to hear what you think of it!!

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Mood Reader
7/10/2019 10:25:26 am

Looks great! :)

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Pam link
7/10/2019 10:29:24 am

It's an awesome story of hope and second chances. ! She fought the river of death and won!

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Bea LaRocca
7/10/2019 03:17:37 pm

Thank you for sharing your personal experiences with us. This sounds like a must-read memoir.

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Pam link
7/11/2019 09:48:31 am

Absolutely! I've probably read and reread this book fifty times and it still gives me chills, makes me smile, and be proud of how much Maria has accomplished.

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Maria Papalia-Meier
7/10/2019 05:42:39 pm

Thank you! I hope you enjoy it. It tells the story of my journey and my ability to battle back and run again after I was told I never would. It was a series of ups and downs but I made it. My husband was by my side the whole way. My son who was young at the time was the one who got me to look at my new feet for the first time, he was so courageous for such a young boy.
Please let me know if you have any questions after you read.

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Terri Quick
7/11/2019 09:22:53 pm

Thanks for this giveaway

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Pam link
7/12/2019 07:25:57 am

Love doing stuff like this. It's fun!

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Kelly Nicholson
7/12/2019 02:57:09 pm

What do you think of the book or the covers?

im a part time runner too seems interesting

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Maria Papalia-Meier
7/13/2019 06:50:54 am

This story talks about my comeback and how I was able to run again after losing my toes. As a runner you will be able to appreciate my journey and why I was so anxious to run again. Once a runner always a runner.
I learned alot thru my journey. I would love to know your thoughts once you have read the book.

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SHERRY
7/12/2019 05:26:25 pm

The book sounds very interesting.

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Pam link
7/13/2019 09:23:39 am

I love stories like this... I'm honored to be able to write it with Maria. It's awe-inspiring!

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lydia goodman
7/14/2019 08:54:23 pm

Different than my normal read, but sounds like a very positive uplifting story

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maria papalia-Meier
7/14/2019 09:31:28 pm

I hope you find my story very inspiring. It as my purpose for writing . I also wanted to help educate people on Sepsis signs and symptoms. I look forward to hearing what you think of the book.

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Emmaline
7/16/2019 08:52:45 am

Wow, kudos to you! I find myself so fatigued, not sure why, and the doctor says I'm normal. I'm glad you were able to take something negative and persevere through it--coming out stronger in the end!

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Maria Papalia-Meier
7/16/2019 03:40:05 pm

Thank you. I am hoping others gain inspiration from what I went thru. I feel even if one person is inspired by my story it will make this all worth while. I have always asked why me, why did this happen to happen to me, I had a good life. I believe in my heart I am supposed to share my story so others will realize they can do anything!

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Devon Pickford
7/16/2019 03:32:39 pm

Wow, this sounds incredibly inspiring

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Maria Papalia-Meier
7/16/2019 03:41:39 pm

Thank you. I hope you find it inspiring. I have been thru alot over the last few years. Someone finding inspiration thru my story will make it seem like it was all for a reason,

Maria

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Kaley Bill
7/16/2019 04:00:14 pm

Sounds like a story with a lot of heart and courage

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Maria Papalia-Meier
7/17/2019 06:11:19 am

Definitely a lot of heart. Following my heart lead me to writing this book. I hope you enjoy it. My journey was long but in the end I came back to being me again.....a person I thought was going to be lost for good.

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Marcy Meyer
7/16/2019 05:13:35 pm

Sounds like a great read. Thanks for sharing.

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Pam link
7/17/2019 07:12:24 am

It is. I encourage everyone to read it. It's inspirational! And on KU too. :-)

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Beyond Comps
7/17/2019 04:29:55 am

Amazing cover!

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Pam link
7/17/2019 07:10:54 am

Thank you. Credit for the cover design goes to Dora Gonzalez, cover model is Mary Elena. I love this cover. It's so perfect for Maria's story!

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maria papalia-Meier
7/17/2019 06:12:20 am

I agree Pam did a great job with the cover!!!!!

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Lisa Ellison
7/17/2019 03:33:38 pm

I like the cover and the book sounds interesting!

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Maria Papalia-Meier
7/18/2019 05:22:29 am

Thank you!! I agree I love the cover . . I have received. so many messages from people who have read the book and they said it is emotional and inspiring. I gave my first speech yesterday at a employee meeting. The woman in charge of the meeting hought the book was so inspiring she wanted me to come in person to discuss. Things like this really make the journey I had to go thru worth it. If one person can be inspired by what happened to me I feel blessed,

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stephanie jones
7/26/2019 09:26:43 am

i love the book cover

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Pam
7/26/2019 09:29:15 am

Thank you. I absolutely love it. It says so much!

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Corey Hutton
7/31/2019 09:32:05 pm

Good luck with the book and Thanks for the giveaway.

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Pam
8/1/2019 08:18:20 am

Thank you. This is a very inspirational story.

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Tracie Cooper
8/3/2019 01:04:10 pm

I love the cover and title! Looks like a great and inspiring read!

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Pam
8/4/2019 01:25:38 pm

Thank you. I love this story!

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Teresa D Kunberger
8/4/2019 08:17:07 pm

Now this cover is right up my road!

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Pam
8/5/2019 08:51:36 am

Isn't it gorgeous!?

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Maria
8/5/2019 04:57:48 pm

WOW this looks amazing, love the cover and the title.

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Pam
8/5/2019 05:07:59 pm

I love this book and cover. I'm extremely impressed with Maria. She's an inspiration!

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Dave Gibb
8/5/2019 08:17:06 pm

The cover looks cool, great job.

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Pam
8/6/2019 08:04:08 am

I agree. Dora Gonzalez did an excellent job!

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Leah
8/6/2019 10:36:00 pm

The cover's just okay, but it's such an inspiring story.

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Pam
8/7/2019 08:18:15 am

Well, that's okay. Not everyone has to think the cover is gorgeous. It is a very inspiring story. it takes a lot of faith in yourself to be able to fight, and recover successfully from everything Maria went through. I'm extremely impressed with her fortitude.

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Heather
8/8/2019 04:25:58 pm

Sounds like an interesting story.

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Pam
8/9/2019 11:35:22 am

Thank you. I find it an extremely fascinating!

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Daniel M
8/8/2019 07:04:13 pm

like the covers

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Pam
8/9/2019 11:35:48 am

Thank you!

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Jerry Marquardt
8/9/2019 11:18:17 pm

I would like to give thanks for all your really great writings, including I Am A Runner, and wishing the best in keeping up the good work in the future.

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Pam
8/10/2019 09:05:45 am

Thank you. I found as I was working and writing with Maria how touch and inspirational she could be. It's an honor to be able to work with someone like that.

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