Sarah’s Story

My family before our Disney World Trip

So, this is my last Guest Blog post for this summer.  I have really enjoyed this job, and I’ve decided to wrap up my time here writing for TulsaKids with a post that has a bit more about me in it. 

You might recall that when I wrote about the two summer camps I’ve attended for kids with disabilities, I mentioned some of the surgeries I’ve had.  I was born with tetralogy of fallot and pulmonary atresia (big words, I know)!  Basically that means I was born without the pulmonary artery, which takes blood from the heart to the lungs. Because of this, I had had eight surgeries by the time I was ten years old. 

As you can imagine, having multiple medical issues can make things difficult.  As a kid, I got very out of breath when running or exercising, due to my heart defect, and as a result I never liked P.E. or sports much.  And then there was the fact that my once heart defect was “fixed” (at least until I’m about 20, when I’ll need to have my pulmonary artery replaced again), there were more issues!  I had to have scoliosis surgery, and then needed the trach and oxygen!  Sometimes it felt like I just couldn’t catch a break.  But in times when my faith was low, other people were there for me.  

Lots of people helped me and my family out, in all different ways.  And it’s thanks to their help that I have been able to get through all this!  People we knew from church and school prayed for me, my health, and our whole family, and their prayers really made a difference!  Friends brought meals for us while I was in the hospital and after I got home, and my grandma took care of my sisters and drove them to school and activities during that time, which helped us out a lot! 

Many people we know also helped out financially when we needed it. The Make-A-Wish organization and their donors have been very kind and helpful, and thanks to them, we were able to take a wonderful trip to Disney World over last spring break! And then of course there are all the amazing doctors, nurses, speech and physical therapists  who have helped me at every stage of my recovery!  Without all of them, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. 

My sixteenth birthday was last Saturday, which was obviously a big milestone for me!  Especially since my future was been uncertain from the time I was born.  But then again, isn’t everyone’s?  Life’s just one big journey, after all.  And I am so, so thankful for everyone who has helped me along the way.

About Sarah Ray: 

Hi!  I’m Sarah Ray, and I’m 15 years old.  I have always liked to write, and have kept a journal since the age of seven.  I also enjoy reading, playing the piano, and doing crafts.  I’m so excited to have my first official job doing some guest blogging for the Tulsa Kids magazine this summer!