08/27/2025
Shriners Children’s patient ambassador Sarah has made it her mission to teach kindness, inclusion and understanding by sharing her journey of being born without a leg. What started as a classroom visit to her mom’s first-grade class in 2020 and has grown into a heartfelt campaign that’s touched the lives of students across multiple schools and caught the attention of the media throughout the county.
Through story time, open Q&A and hands-on activities like building assistive devices, Sarah helps students see that physical differences don’t define what someone can do. She shares her own journey of overcoming adversity and hurtful comments to encourage kids to embrace differences, be kind and believe in themselves. “People like me can do just as much as anyone else. Being kind matters,” she says.
Sarah’s inspiring work has not only touched countless young students but also caught the attention of local media and even a university professor looking to share her message with future educators. Her visits often tie into school Spirit Days, helping raise funds for Special Olympics programs and Shriners Children’s Erie.
Whether she’s in the classroom, golfing, cheering for football, or trying new adventures like flying in cheer, Sarah proves every day that confidence, resilience and kindness are unstoppable. Her mom shares, “As she’s grown, her message has grown too — it’s no longer just about her story, but about spreading kindness, inclusivity and equality. And that’s something the world really needs.”