“Just being in the presence of so many wonderful people at one time (with and without Down syndrome) is really life changing - I know I’ve learned from so many of the people I’ve met through PALS and carry some of them with me.”
This World Down Syndrome Day, PALS is celebrating by sharing “where are they now” stories about individuals in the PALS Family! Learn more about Sara, a longtime PALS participant and past program director.
Sara Glass Hawes has been a part of the PALS family for a long time. “So much has changed since I started PALS (I was only 16!) but it truly has impacted the individual that I am today.” She came to her first PALS Camp in 2010 and has been an incredible member of the PALS family since. She currently lives in Canada with her husband, Conor and their two dogs. Sara and Conor met at PALS in 2013 at a leadership retreat for PALS Directors. Sara believes this shows how PALS does such a great job of bringing like-minded people together and truly brings out the best in everyone.
Sara’s experience of PALS has even impacted her professional life. “I chose a career path to help support and advocate for and with individuals with disabilities. I don't think I would've found such a passion for my career if it wasn't for PALS. Volunteering (especially at the director level), gave me a lot of transferable skills that I'm still using today and gave me more confidence in my professional life.” She worked in Chicago for six years where she often ran into PALS participants, including one of Conor’s past roommates at PALS.
Her favorite PALS memories are all of the dance parties! “I still think back to the first summer at PALS when someone in the hall would start blasting music and before I knew it, it was a whole team dancing together! It was really special,” she said. She also has fond memories of the random days at PALS that may not always go as planned! “Whether it was buses not arriving on time calling for impromptu yoga classes or rainy weather calling for more time to make team dances for PALS Olympics, it was always so impressive how unplanned things turned out so fun!” These experiences continue to influence how Sara sees the world. “I often think of ways I can be kinder, more compassionate, and what I/society can do to create more welcoming and inclusive spaces.”
Even though Sara isn’t as involved as she used to be, PALS is still a very important part of her life. “You truly meet the most genuine, caring, hard-working, and fun people at PALS.Though I am less involved now, I still love following along on social media and seeing all the wonderfully creative things the PALS staff and leadership do to create such unique and inclusive experiences for everyone!”
Thank you Sarah for being part of the PALS Family for many years! We appreciate your continued dedication to the mission of PALS.
