The Secret to My Success: Swimming Like an Angelfish
By Sarah Best, Abilities Expo Ambassador
17years ago...yup, that’s me! I was born three months premature and was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at the age of 2. I began physical therapy sessions when I was six months old and continued receiving various therapies up until my teen years. I began sessions with Swim Angelfish when I was 12 years old. Looking back, these sessions stick out to me as being a critical therapeutic piece.
Aquatic Therapy Proves Critical in Early Development
I truly enjoyed this method of therapy because during the sessions I wasn’t thinking about my disability; the therapy was built into having fun! The benefits included increased strength, coordination and balance. The aquatic therapy that I received in my childhood years, was a crucial component to my development and strength.
So where am I now? I graduated from SUNY Paltz in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology. I currently work as a social media consultant for Convaid Products, a company that manufactures seating and mobility products for people with special needs.
You may be wondering, what’s the secret to my accomplishments?
It all comes back to the right therapy and childhood support, such as Swim Angelfish. I had a solid base to grow and build upon in the coming years. Yes, the physical therapy was very hard and trying at times, but I persevered and kept pushing forward to reach my highest potential. These days, my journey continues with the help of my World Class Service Dog, Edison, trained by NEADS.org. You can follow Edison and I on Instagram @edison_365_sd.
Thank you to Swim Angelfish for all the support and guidance you’ve given me through the years.
Here is a great teaching video on all you can accomplish in aquatic therapy.
Swim Angelfish offers aquatic therapy, adaptive swim lessons and online training for swim instructors to get certified in their methodology. I invite you to follow them on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date on all the awesome work they are doing!
Sarah’s Holiday Fundraiser
This holiday season, I invite you to participate in a fundraiser and receive a snowflake ornament featuring my adorable Edison. Here’s what Edison had to say…
“Hi! I’m Edison the service dog. I’ve been matched with my forever friend, Sarah, for over three years. She has Cerebral Palsy which limits her mobility. I help her each and every day to live life to the fullest and see past her challenges. Your support will help us live a life full of pawsibilities!”
