Sarah’s Story

Sarah King’s journey at St. Joseph’s Parkwood Institute began in 2020 after a devastating car accident left her with an injury to her 4th and 5th thoracic vertebrae in her spine. Thrown from the vehicle, she has few memories of the crash but remains deeply grateful to be alive. The spinal cord injury led to paralysis from the chest down. She launched into a new phase of her life focused on recovery and adaptation. From the beginning, Parkwood’s rehab teams played a central role in her progress and growing independence.

Growing up in the small town of Lakeside, King is the youngest of five siblings. She says she has always been determined and stubborn, traits that have fueled her rehabilitation and recovery.

Early on in her care journey, King found herself in denial about her injury. Even simple tasks like navigating her wheelchair over new terrain and traversing ramps were overwhelming. But her care team made all the difference. She recalls her physiotherapists as warm and attentive, creating an environment where she felt safe voicing any concerns.

With their support, she gradually built confidence with her mobility. And her occupational therapy sessions gave her the chance to practice essential life skills, like coordinating with her wheelchair, maneuvering in tight spaces and doing wheelies to handle obstacles to regain her independence.

Advanced robotic technology has been key to her progress. King used the Ekso during her rehab, a wearable bionic exoskeleton that supports individuals with lower limb weakness or paralysis in standing and walking.

“The Ekso uses motors at the hips and knees to help users initiate movement,” says Sarah Madge, an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) and Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) in the Neuro Trauma Rehabilitation Unit at Parkwood. Physiotherapists help guide patients while they’re using the Ekso.

King also used the Lokomat, a robotic gait training device offering intensive rehab to improve mobility. These tools have strengthened her core, posture, balance and even bone density.

Emotionally, King admits the early days following her accident and in rehab were lonely despite being surrounded by people. Meeting other patients her age helped her keep moving forward.

Now, King lives independently and works at a preschool out of town, where she inspires young children by showing them success has no boundaries or limits. She drives, stays active and enjoys life with her playful Golden Retriever, Chevy. King remains deeply thankful for her care team’s unwavering support.

“I wouldn’t be here without my care team,” she says. “I’ve been able to keep looking forward thanks to them.”