She Was Suddenly Paralyzed from the Neck Down at 8 (Acute Flaccid Myelitis)
Sarah Todd was eight years old when a severe head and neck ache began during ballet class. Within 16 hours, she was paralyzed from the neck down. She had developed acute flaccid myelitis (AFM), a rare neurological condition affecting the spinal cord.
After two months in the hospital, Sarah Todd walked out. But regaining the ability to walk did not mean her disability was gone. Now 24, she cannot move her left hand and has limited movement and strength in her right hand and shoulders. Everyday activities like getting dressed, cooking, and brushing her teeth require adaptations or help.
Sarah Todd does not consider her disability invisible simply because other people may not notice it. She sees its impact every day and wants that experience to be recognized. Disability is an integral part of her identity, alongside her love of fashion and dance, her relationships, and her hopes for the future. She wants people to know she is a disabled person who has many passions and interests.
Video Summary
AI GeneratedSarah Todd shares her personal journey living with Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM), a neurological disorder that caused sudden paralysis during her childhood. She discusses the physical challenges of recovery, the emotional toll of navigating an inaccessible world, and the importance of viewing disabled individuals as multifaceted people whose identities extend beyond their medical conditions.