Sarah Pietro - Modifying & Making it Happen
“You wanna do something? You modify it and get it done.” -Sarah
We’ve all heard the phrase, “Two steps forward, one step back.” Well, I don’t know if I’ve ever heard a life story that exemplifies that phrase more than Sarah Pietro’s does. But what really got our attention at Strong Girls Travel is how she is proof that a life can be lived in spite of setbacks. In fact, Sarah’s story shows us that sometimes the very things in life that have the potential to break us actually teach us what it’s like to really live.
Sarah was born and raised in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula by parents who both struggled with the aftermath of polio. She was used to watching them figure out their way in a world with limited accessibility and a lack of ADA regulations, and this upbringing subconsciously taught her that there was always a way to do something you wanted to do.
During her college days, Sarah got involved with a community EMS program and earned her basic EMT certification around 2000. She continued that career path with the Paramedic Program, and then found herself with a paramedic and clerk position. In 2003, on her first shift with the new job, her driver lost control of the vehicle, causing an accident that left Sarah paralyzed from the waist down from an L1 burst fracture.
Recovery from the accident was a long road. It took her eight months in rehab to gain enough strength to relearn how to walk. Acclimating to a new life where she was the one needing to ask for help was a challenge. She realized, too, that the paramedic career wasn’t an option anymore, so she returned to college in 2004 to earn her Health Information Processing degree. She graduated in 2007 with her Associates Degree, but Sarah realized that finding a job that would accommodate her health and body restrictions was nearly nonexistent.
In 2008, Sarah and her mom were able to attend an Adaptive Kayaking retreat at Bay Cliff Health Camp. This organization has been teaching adaptive paddling courses since 1998. They taught Sarah how to get into the kayak, how to get out of it (both in water and out of water), and strategies for growing and feeling successful in the sport.She enjoyed watching her mother experience kayaking for the first time ever, but was unable to really invest time and energy into the hobby at this time. As Sarah continued learning to pivot her own life, her father passed away in 2012. The grief of this chapter took its toll on Sarah’s body in the form of weight gain, and she determined that her health had to become a priority again. Sarah worked off the weight, starting even with just five minutes a day, and built up habits and routines in the gym that helped her take off 100 pounds in only six months. A couple years later, she moved in with family members when the burden of home & property ownership just became too much for her abilities.
After losing the weight, Sarah was approached by her gym owner in 2017 if she would be interested in a job as the gym & fitness manager, especially for helping clients with mobility issues. He saw her drive and determination to self-accommodate and knew she would be a great fit there. She accepted the job and thrived in providing modifications to those who needed the support and strategies. Sarah appreciated providing a service that she herself couldn’t find when it was most needed. Unfortunately, when Covid hit and the gyms closed, Sarah again found herself without a job.
Pivoting again, Sarah took up an interest in drones in 2021 and worked to get her FAA Drone Pilot license. (Fun fact: only 11% of license-holders are women!) She is now able to find enjoyment and volunteer opportunities with that specialized skill and around her own schedule.
So now is a good time for you to blink. Sarah’s story is certainly one of unforeseen ups and downs, but she has yet to be defined by that roller coaster. After hearing her story, I asked Sarah how she is able to set a goal and make it happen, considering all that has stood in her way in the past. She recounted all the times she’s had to be flexible in her life, and credits her upbringing for the ability to do that. She says, “You wanna do something? You modify it and get it done.” Sarah teaches us that having what you want as an end goal is a good thing, but then break it down into smaller, reachable steps and watch it happen in front of you.
Sarah also tells us to consider changing the way we define “normal.” She says, “It may not be the normal way or the way someone thinks it should be done, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be done.” Sarah has had to learn so much of what she wants to do by watching YouTube videos or using online forums to figure it out. Many of her skills have been gained through women helping each other out in the Handy Women Facebook page or by looking for instructional videos to learn something.
When Sarah moved in with family after her dad’s passing, she returned to kayaking. Sarah has since kayaked many lakes and rivers in Wisconsin and Michigan, her favorite being the Crystal River area. Her training gave her the confidence to build her skills and her strength - and when she’s paddling with friends, she feels equal to them because of her upper body strength. Her limited leg mobility is not an issue in her kayak. Sarah is living proof of her own advice that when we aren't sure how to adapt to unexpected turns in our lives, we need to first admit when we need help; and secondly, we can figure out a way around the thing that gets in our way.
Are you motivated by Sarah’s story and looking to find ways to pivot your own life? Or maybe you want to get involved and help support Sarah and others with mobility issues? If you are a kayaker, Sarah suggests getting involved to help support those who need adaptive measures. Be aware of the accessible kayak/canoe launches in your local parks and waterways, but also pay attention to parking. Will someone needing extra space to load or unload their kayak even be able to access that modified launch? How can we get involved in our communities to make sure that happens? Sarah also points out that Bay Cliff Health Camp may be looking for kayak guides, seasonal help, and volunteers.
Ultimately, we want Sarah’s story of determination and flexibility to inspire your own. How do you need to adjust today in order to live the life you know you were meant for? Sarah is busy getting back into a program and a routine, working on the goal of not being full-time wheelchair-dependent for as long as possible. Even when we are used to being the one providing the help, it’s okay to be on the receiving end of help if it means we can reach our goals. Seek online resources. Find a buddy to adventure with. Do what it takes to “modify it and get it done.” The rest of your amazing life is dependent on it.
