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Putting Ability First, Inspired by her Daughter: Jaimee Sabato's Journey to Advocacy and Support
What is your personal/professional story?
I am a first-generation Greek American and come from a large extended family with 26 first cousins. I have an older brother with whom I am very close and we were raised with faith, family, and hard work. My parents taught me a great deal about resilience, which would later serve as a foundation for what was to come in life. This resilience, my strong faith, my love of family, and my dedicated work ethic have all served me well.
My personal and professional journey is deeply intertwined with my daughter, Alexia (Allie). Born with West Syndrome, also known as infantile epileptic spasms syndrome (IESS), Allie faced significant developmental challenges from the start. Her condition led to numerous brain surgeries and ongoing complications. Despite dire predictions that she might not live past age two, Allie has defied the odds and recently celebrated her 28th birthday.
Though Allie is non-ambulatory and non-verbal, she has profoundly taught us about love, compassion, and resilience. Her strength and spirit inspired me to return to school for my doctorate and establish My Allie’s Place (MAP), a non-profit organization that supports individuals with special needs. Our mission is to foster a community where people like Allie can live with dignity, respect, and purpose, and contribute meaningfully to society. Through MAP, I aim to raise awareness, advocate for those with similar challenges, and make a lasting impact in the world of disabilities.
Can you share a turning point in your life that sparked your interest in helping others succeed?
There were several pivotal moments in my journey, each shaping the course of my path in profound ways. One significant turning point occurred when Allie was just 10 months old. We traveled to Argentina in search of more intensive therapy, as the treatment options available there were far more robust compared to the limited sessions we were receiving in the U.S. This exposure to a philosophy of daily, constant therapy, recognizing the brain’s malleability, led to noticeable progress in Allie despite her ongoing seizures. This experience made me acutely aware of the broader needs of families in similar situations on an international scale. It was there that I met Dr. Susanna Moroni and together, we built a clinic for children to receive therapies. The clinic still stands today, and there are several others in addition to the original. A cookie (alfahores) factory was added to help provide jobs for neurodiverse individuals. The alfahores are delicious! Witnessing the growth of these individuals and the impact that it makes on their lives and the community is what it is all about. I plan to do the same in the USA through My Allie’s Place one day.
Another critical turning point was Allie’s first brain surgery, at the age of 4. Witnessing her endure such profound challenges at such a young age underscored the urgent need for stronger support systems for families navigating similar struggles. The extended hospital stays, some, months long, and the connections I made with other families facing similar battles were both humbling and inspiring. I always hesitate to use the word “comforting” but there’s a positivity that comes from realizing you’re not the only family going through the pain and anguish at the time. Families in hospitals tend to bond with each other, and the only word that comes to mind when I think about those times is “comfort.”
These experiences highlighted the lack of resources and support available to families like ours and ignited my passion to create My Allie’s Place. This non-profit was born out of the love and care Allie received and aims to provide a space where families can find resources, share their stories, and support one another. This journey has not just been personal but has also become my calling to help others navigate their challenges with similar determination and compassion.
What key moments in your life led you to where you are today?
Several key moments in my life have led me to where I am today. A significant turning point was the birth of my son, which highlighted the stark differences between the paths I was walking with my children. Balancing the needs of Allie, who has complex disabilities, alongside raising a typical child presented unique challenges and insights into the world of special needs.
My faith and the unwavering support of my family played crucial roles in sustaining me through these challenges. My family’s constant encouragement gave me the courage to persevere, even as I faced the difficult experience of going through a divorce. This period of my life was transformative, reshaping my trajectory and deepening my understanding of the complexities of navigating life as a single mother balancing a career and raising children with diverse needs.
These experiences collectively drove me to pursue further education, culminating in earning a doctorate in education and leadership. The diagnosis and subsequent dozens of surgeries and procedures Allie underwent tested our family's resilience and revealed a profound lack of support for families in similar situations. This realization motivated me to research and connect with other families facing comparable challenges.
Ultimately, my struggles became the foundation of my mission to support others. I channeled my experiences into raising awareness and building a community through My Allie’s Place, aiming to provide the support and resources that were so needed but often lacking for families dealing with special needs. While there is no “cure” for Allie’s illness, the fact that I can share my experiences, provide information, and help secure resources for others always proves to be so appreciated by other families and makes me realize my efforts are worthwhile.
Where does your passion to serve come from?
From a young age, I have always had a desire to help others, and that desire and passion are part of who I am. My passion for education led me to become a teacher. My faith and strong sense of family led me to become a teacher and mentor to neurodivergent children and adults. My daughter’s journey has taught me the importance of community, compassion, and understanding. Wrap all these factors together, and most anyone can immediately understand where my passion comes from.
Seeing how difficult it can be for families to navigate the world of special needs inspired me. I want to ensure that others don’t have to face these challenges alone. My drive to serve is rooted in a desire to make life easier for others, providing them with the support and resources they need.
What does success look like to you, on your own terms?
Success, to me, has always been defined by the positive impact I can make on others' lives. It means assessing the effectiveness of our efforts, fostering growth and resilience, and advancing support for those with special needs. My goal is to create a lasting, positive difference while adapting to the evolving needs of the community.
This drive is also why I am writing my upcoming book, Navigating Life in the World of Disabilities. The book blends my personal experiences with practical strategies and tips to guide others through similar challenges. I believe in the ripple effect of paying it forward, hoping that by positively impacting more lives, I can inspire others to do the same.
How can GlobalMindED help you reach your goals?
GlobalMindED can play a pivotal role in helping My Allie’s Place (MAP) achieve its goals by providing essential connections to a community of support and resources. With GlobalMindED's network of industry leaders, we can significantly expand our reach to others with ability-status children, as well as those with similar missions, working to provide services to them, increasing opportunities for collaboration.
Together, we can ensure that individuals like Allie receive the comprehensive support they need to thrive. To support MAP, please visit https://myalliesplace.org/ and donate. Your contribution will have a direct and meaningful impact on the lives of those we serve and further our mission to create a supportive and inclusive community for individuals with special needs.
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