Sarah Todd Hammer's Paralysis: A Story Of Resilience & Advocacy
Can a moment of intense pain irrevocably alter the course of a life? For Sarah Todd Hammer, a seemingly ordinary ballet class in North Carolina in 2010 became the catalyst for a profound and unexpected transformation.
In the bustling world of dance, where grace and precision reign supreme, eight-year-old Sarah Todd Hammer was immersed in the rhythm and discipline of ballet. It was in this setting, amidst the pirouettes and plis, that she first encountered an agonizing pain. Describing it as an "excruciating head and neck ache," Sarah's world shifted dramatically, initiating a journey marked by resilience, adaptation, and a commitment to advocacy. Within the confines of that ballet class, her arms and hands lost their functionality. The once familiar movements were now beyond her grasp.
The sudden onset of paralysis was a stark reality, a turning point that would redefine her trajectory. The experience of becoming paralyzed at such a tender age is almost beyond imagination, the immediate fear and confusion, the abrupt loss of control over one's own body. It's a story of unexpected adversity that demands to be told.
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| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sarah Todd Hammer |
| Age | 23 (as of the latest available information) |
| Birthplace | North Carolina, USA |
| Medical Condition | Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM), a neurological condition; also has reduced lung function and scoliosis (requiring spinal fusion surgery) |
| Disability Advocate | Actively raises awareness about accessibility and disability inclusion |
| Achievements |
|
| Career/Profession | Disability Inclusion and Accessibility Expert, Advocate, Writer, Podcaster. |
| Podcast | "Positively Opposite" |
| Key Themes in Work |
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| Books |
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| Website (Reference) | Sarah Todd Hammer's YouTube Channel |
The physical limitations became a challenge to overcome. Despite partial paralysis, Sarah refused to let her condition define her. She embraced choreography, modifying movements to accommodate her altered physical capabilities. This shift from dancer to choreographer was a testament to her unwavering spirit.
The ordeal began during a ballet class in 2010. The initial symptom, a severe headache, rapidly escalated into paralysis. The urgent call to action resulted in a helicopter flight to the emergency room, where Sarah's mother, frantic with worry, sought immediate medical attention. The reality of her condition became clear: her arms and hands could no longer function properly. The world had dramatically shifted, and her young life took an unexpected detour.
Sarah's journey took an interesting turn when she started to speak up for herself, saying "being her own advocate is empowering. The young girl from North Carolina, who, in her innocence, was just enjoying ballet, became an advocate. Her story has touched many people and continues to inspire.
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In her own words, recalling that pivotal moment in ballet class, Sarah described the sudden onset of a really excruciating head and neck ache." This initial symptom was immediately followed by the realization that her arms and hands were paralyzed. It's a stark reminder of how quickly life can change, and how quickly a child's world can be turned upside down.
Sarah's story also resonates with those who deal with similar conditions. Her courage in facing adversity serves as a source of inspiration. Her books, co-authored with Jennifer Starzec, detail her journey. Their titles include: 5K, Ballet, and a Spinal Cord Injury; Determination; and Up and Down. These titles reflect her personal story and struggles.
Her journey took another interesting turn when Sarah first went viral for sharing how Disney's newer disability access policy worked. The content of her film, "Press Buttons," is an authentic representation of her life. Sarah Todd Hammer, through her work, has become an advocate for people with disabilities. She uses her lived experience to educate others on how to create and foster inclusion.
Sarah's story also intersects with that of Jennifer (Jen) Starzec, who has shared her experiences of living with a physical disability after being suddenly paralyzed by transverse myelitis at age 13. The parallels in their stories, despite the difference in onset and specific conditions, highlight the shared experiences of navigating life with a physical disability, and the power of community in overcoming challenges.
Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM), the neurological condition that limits Sarahs arm mobility, is related to transverse myelitis (TM). AFM is a subset of TM. Although related, they are distinct. AFM is not an autoimmune disorder and occurs when a virus, often resembling polio, attacks the spinal cord. The virus that causes hand, foot and mouth disease is one such virus, according to researchers.
Sarah's use of her disability inclusion and accessibility expertise is commendable. She educates both individuals and businesses on how to create and foster inclusive environments, using her lived experience to inform her advocacy. This focus is a key part of her work.
For Sarah, being her own advocate is empowering. She is not afraid to ask for accommodations and support when she needs it. Her work highlights the importance of self-advocacy for individuals with disabilities. Her podcast, "Positively Opposite," underscores the idea that disability is not always negative and, in fact, can be quite the opposite. This shift in perspective is what drives her work.
The Michigan Supreme Court providing information on its website as a public service is another example of the growing emphasis on accessibility and inclusion, mirroring the very principles that Sarah Todd Hammer advocates for.
Sarahs world was not without its light moments, as she was granted a Make-A-Wish trip. She chose to meet the popular boy band One Direction, a testament to the dreams and aspirations that remain even when life takes a different turn.
The spirit of self-determination and adaptation is not solely exclusive to those living with disabilities. It's a testament to human nature. The journey of Sarah Todd Hammer exemplifies this, proving that even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles, one can find purpose, meaning, and a platform for advocacy and change.
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Introducing Sarah Todd Hammer ’24, President of the Davidson Disability Alliance Davidson
