A Miracle in Motion, Meet Sarah!

As we reflect on 2024, we are thankful for the many new members who discovered the magic of Miracle League this past year. Among them is Sarah, a 29-year-old from Cotati who attended her first Miracle League event in February, joining Alex at the Valentine’s Dance.

Sarah lives at home with her mom, Fran, and their cherished animal companions—Neon the golden retriever, Kiki the cat, and Fred the cockatiel. Of all the animals that have shaped her life, horses have had the most profound impact. Fran, a physical therapist and founder of the Renaissance Healing & Learning Center, introduced Sarah to hippotherapy—a therapeutic approach that harnesses the natural movement of horses to support physical, speech, and cognitive development.

At three years old, Sarah was nonverbal and just beginning to learn how to walk. Through hippotherapy, she learned to click her tongue to prompt the horse to move. This created a cause-and-effect relationship, where Sarah’s actions (clicking) directly influenced the horse’s response (movement). The immediate and clear feedback from the horse reinforced her efforts, building her understanding of communication and motivating her to explore spoken language further.

The movement of the horse also played a unique and vital role in Sarah’s physical development. Unlike traditional therapy, where the person actively initiates their movements, the horse provides rhythmic and organized input directly to the rider’s body. This movement mimics the natural gait of human walking, stimulating Sarah’s core strength, balance, and coordination in a way traditional exercises couldn’t. Over time, this constant sensory feedback helped her body learn how to move more effectively, improving both her mobility and overall motor skills. Today, Sarah continues to spend her days at the center with its five horses, benefiting from the physical, emotional, and cognitive growth fostered by their remarkable bond.

At 19, Sarah was diagnosed with Pitt-Hopkins syndrome, a rare genetic condition with fewer than 1,500 known cases worldwide. Her diagnosis came about in an extraordinary way: while attending a Jewish family camp, another family noticed striking similarities between Sarah and their own child. This chance connection ultimately led to the discovery of Sarah’s diagnosis, one that had eluded the medical community despite multiple rounds of genetic testing between 1995 and 2007. This experience truly highlights the incredible power of community in navigating life’s challenges. Sarah remains deeply connected to her Jewish roots, participating in special needs programs at her synagogue and celebrating cherished traditions. One of her favorite gatherings is Havdalah, held at the horse facility, where participants come together for potluck dinners, songs, and a sense of belonging.

Recently, Sarah joined the Fierce Cheer Team, a cheerleading group for girls with special needs. With weekly practices in Santa Rosa and competitions across California, Sarah shines as a natural cheerleader, which we’ve all seen at the Miracle League field!

In addition to cheering, Sarah attends an adult day program called Amani in Rohnert Park and enjoys swimming, dancing, and music. Her love of dance has earned her the nickname “Dancing Queen,” a playful nod to her favorite ABBA song. Sarah also delights in traveling to visit family across the country. She has four brothers, including a set of twins, and is a proud aunt to two nephews who live in Washington, DC, whom she visits regularly. With her Uncle Steve recently moving from Missouri to be closer, Sarah is thrilled to have more family nearby.



Fran describes Sarah as a wonderful companion and takes great pride in all the progress she has made. Whether enjoying outings in the community or sharing cherished family trips, their bond is truly unbreakable. We are so fortunate to have Sarah as one of our Miracle League All-Stars. Keep dancing, Sarah!