sarahmcalpine

Sarah Allyson McAlpine

Public Speaker

EMPOWERing others

About

Sarah McAlpine is a dedicated People Advocate, specializing as an Employment Specialist Instructor at Clemson University, focused on Disability Awareness and Inclusion. She is also a Certified Adaptive Recreation and Sports Specialist, committed to youth development. Outside of her professional roles, Sarah is an avid hiking enthusiast, community volunteer, and most importantly, a devoted single mother to her two sons.

On October 28, 2022, Sarah’s daughter, Peyton, passed away from a rare and progressive lung disease at just 16 months old. The loss was a devastating blow to Sarah and her family. Despite the profound grief, Sarah had to find the strength to continue raising her two sons, who were also mourning the loss of their baby sister. Balancing her own sorrow with the need to be present for her boys was an immense challenge.

In the months following Peyton's death, Sarah navigated a tumultuous path of healing. She sought therapy (including a stay at a trauma center in Florida), joined support groups, and leaned on friends and family for support. There were countless hours of crying, moments of feeling overwhelmed, and times when she felt utterly hopeless. Yet, through it all, Sarah remained determined to survive and be present for her sons.

Sarah’s journey through grief and loss taught her the importance of embracing both her sadness for Peyton and her gratitude for her sons. She learned that it was okay to feel these conflicting emotions simultaneously. Her resilience and determination to move forward became a beacon of hope for others experiencing similar pain. She now uses her journey to empower others, bringing hope and inspiration to those who need it.