5th Annual Brace for the Race 5kCelebrating World Clubfoot Day
I can't believe this incredible event was three weeks ago! I had the most fantastic day advocating for those with disabilities and meeting many new people, especially the kiddos. My morning started by participating in the Brace Race riding in a Hippocampe wheelchair. Thanks to my fantastic Team, No One Walks Alone came in at 31:37! And then, I was honored to announce and present awards to the Brace for the Race runners and walkers.
The most rewarding part about this annual event is meeting so many children who can't believe I have a disability just like them. I am pleased to say I now have so many new members, and I can't wait to mentor and watch them grow. Thank you to everyone who visited my booth! And a big thank you to my supporters who worked at my booth with me, Handing out pamphlets, Business cards, Candy, and T-shirts to new members. Together, we continue to prove that anything can be achieved with the right support system.
#Service #Style #Success #NemoursDeptford #Nemours #Clubfoot #LimbDeformity #Nemours #MakingNegativesintopositives #worldclubfootday
Clubfoot Chronicles, Mom’s Podcast Appearance
I am honored to have been a guest on “A Clubfoot Mom” Podcast, and for the opportunity to share my story living with Clubfoot with so many members of the Clubfoot Community.
I was able to speak about my experience participating in the Miss America Scholarship Organization and why I chose to advocate for Clubfoot as my Social Impact Initiative. I shared details about my mentorship program "No One Walks Alone" and my experience living with Clubfoot.
Thank you Maureen Hoff for giving me this opportunity.
Dance Rehearsal
Sometimes Clubfoot effects our lives more than we want people to know.
Last week the Miss New Jersey participants had dance rehearsal for our upcoming competition.
Within the first few steps I was in pain and knew I was in for a long night. Because of my disability I have to fudge a lot of dance moves. There are just some things that my feet and ankles will not allow me to do. To people who don’t know about my disability, I probably look like I’m just a dancing mess, or I don’t know what I’m doing. When asked what line placement we wanted for the performance, I volunteered to be in the back. I should have been thrilled being with my sisters and learning choreography; they all seemed to be killing it! But instead, I let myself feel down and defeated. I ended up in the back room crying from the pain, and felt ashamed and embarrassed for not being able to dance like the other girls. I woke up the next morning in pain, unable to move, and had to ice my feet.
Making my negatives into positives.
I sit here thinking about the support I get from not only my fellow sisters, but Miss New Jersey herself! They did not judge my mess ups and checked on me when I let my emotions get the best of me. My sisters are so supportive and do more for me than they will ever know. When I couldn’t get off the ground after dancing, one reached her hand out and pulled me up without my asking for help.
After rehearsal many of my sisters checked on me, and even made sure I was okay to drive and able to get home safe. Dance numbers are just a part of the Miss New Jersey experience and I am doing them to the best of my ability. I know I am doing almost the impossible for someone with my limitations, and I know that it’s all worth it. I can’t wait to take the stage next week as the first competitor living with Clubfoot and Limb Deformity.
Challenges with Shoes as a teen
One of the biggest challenges a teenager with clubfoot faces is shoes. In my experience, wearing the gorgeous heels that other girls wear is nearly impossible.
One of the biggest challenges a teenager with clubfoot faces is shoes. In my experience, wearing the gorgeous heels that other girls wear is nearly impossible. For me, any heel that exceeds an inch in height stretches my feet in pain. Not just because of the deformity but also because of the way I walked. Because of my clubfoot, I would walk on my toes. In an effort to make walking easier, my doctor had me casted to start a process that would eventually allow me to walk with my heels touching the ground. Not only have my feet affected me medically, but they've also affected me socially. When I'm in a group of girls all dressed up, all of them have heels on, except me. The way a person looks in a photo does not matter, however seeing the other girls in heels and me without them makes me feel left out. When it comes to finding shoes, it is an awful experience, however, finding them for a dressy event is so much worse. Eventually, my mom found a solution. My mom participated in theater her whole life and using character shoes herself, she had an idea for me to try on character shoes. Character shoes are dance shoes that are really flexible and shape to your foot. It ended up being an amazing discovery. They molded to my feet and I stopped being worried about my shoes for events because I knew I had my character shoes that made me feel both confident and comfortable. #NoOneWalksAlone
After Pageant Pains
After Pageant Pains:
By the end of the pageant, I couldn’t walk.
After Pageant Pains:
By the end of the pageant, I couldn’t walk. To avoid my feet being in excruciating pain by the end of the night, I take breaks from wearing my heels and wear sneakers or Ugg’s (my safety shoes). Even when I was wearing my more comfortable shoes in between my time on stage, the pain from wearing the heels was in my legs, hips, and feet. When trying to take pictures I was crouching and leaning in funny positions in every photo because of the pain. I couldn’t walk anymore. Even though I took breaks with my safety shoes, my feet were just too messed up by the end. I woke up in the middle of the night because of the throbbing. I had to ice my feet and needed assistance to go to the bathroom, which is not unusual after a long day.
Turning a negative into a positive: Even though it was painful, (negative); I did it. The positive; I was able to motivate myself and make the best out of my situation. I was able to push through the pain and have a successful night. We don’t give up. We live our lives doing things we love. #NoOneWalksAlone
Ending My Reign
It’s official! I can’t believe my reign has come to an end! After two amazing years as Miss West Deptford 2019, it was time to give up my crown!
It’s official! I can’t believe my reign has come to an end! After two amazing years as Miss West Deptford 2019, it was time to give up my crown! I’ve had so many amazing memories and experiences that molded me into the person I am today. Taking part in my community while shining light on Clubfoot and limb deformity, and raising over $600, was a highlight of my reign. I also began creating a program called, “No One Walks Alone”. This program is a place where adults and children can come together to share their experiences having Clubfoot. Growing up I never met anyone who directly understood what I was going through. I had support from my doctors, therapists, family, etc., but never anyone who actually went through it as I did. This is a mentoring program where questions can be answered, and the milestones, ups, downs, and everything in between can be shared. I know what it’s like to grow up with Clubfoot and now to be an adult with Clubfoot. I hope to ease that path for others with shared experiences.
I want to go on vacation
Planning a vacation may feel like one of the most impossible things while having Clubfoot. No matter what if you want to be able to survive throughout the day you most likely have to make a perfect walking schedule.
Planning a vacation may feel like one of the most impossible things while having Clubfoot. No matter what if you want to be able to survive throughout the day you most likely have to make a perfect walking schedule. Planning a schedule and what you are doing is the best way to make your negatives into positives. You also might consider wheelchair access. For me personally, if I am on my feet for more than an hour or two, they hurt and tighten up to the point where I can’t move. Another issue is needing walking breaks and generally being in pain. When you are with others It’s hard to find acquaintances being able to understand. There will be times where you may feel like a burden when (needing) walking breaks and (needing) to follow a walking schedule. People sometimes don’t understand and want you to just deal with it. What they don’t know or sometimes even care about is how you may need to ice your feet, can’t walk the next day, and your shoes or braces rubbing on your skin causing cuts. When I want to plan a vacation or when someone invites me to one or even a day trip. No matter how much I want to enjoy my vacation my first thought is…. Am I going to be able to handle the pain being on my feet? #NoOneWalksAlone
“I Have Clubfoot” Why?
When I was younger, I thought everyone was born with some kind of disability. I found out I was wrong I realized that I was different.
When I was younger, I thought everyone was born with some kind of disability. I found out I was wrong I realized that I was different. But what I didn’t realize was being different wasn’t easy. (The problems we have as children). Why can’t you run? How did you break both of your legs? Why do you walk funny? Why are your feet so tiny? Question after question about stuff you don’t really know yourself besides. “I have Clubfoot” I want people going through this journey to know they have someone to turn to who understands physically, mentally, and emotionally, what they may be going through. Their mentor will serve as a guide, a cheerleader, and a friend for their mentee throughout their treatment. #NoOneWalksAlone
What is Clubfoot and Limb Deformity?
Clubfoot is a deformity in which an infant's foot is turned inward, often so severely that the bottom of the foot faces sideways or even upward.
What is Clubfoot and Limb Deformity? Clubfoot is a deformity in which an infant's foot is turned inward, often so severely that the bottom of the foot faces sideways or even upward. Approximately one infant in every 1,000 live births will have clubfoot, making it one of the more common congenital (present at birth) foot deformities. Clubfoot is caused by a shortened Achilles tendon, which causes the foot to turn in and under. I was one of those babies. Born with a severe clubfoot and limb deformity, I had my first surgery on both feet at just three months old. My family and I wished that we had someone with firsthand experience to tell us everything was going to be okay, and to help guide me through my treatment. With this said I have made it my mission to be that person for others. #NoOneWalksAlone
Welcome
Hello everyone, I’m Sarah Maxwell and I am advocating and spreading awareness for Clubfoot and Limb Deformity! #NoOneWalksAlone.
Hello everyone, I’m Sarah Maxwell and I am advocating and spreading awareness for Clubfoot and Limb Deformity! #NoOneWalksAlone. We are in this together! This is a program to mentor the younger generation throughout their Clubfoot and Limb Deformity journey. To everyone going through this journey please reach out to me! I would love to talk about our lives and our experiences with Clubfoot and Lim deformity. Message me on Facebook or Email me clubbedfoot25@gmail.com so we can set up and connect on Zoom or FaceTime!