Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Duchow
Hi Sarah, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am who I am today due to the profound changes and exponential growth I’ve experienced over the past two years. Apologies in advance for the length of my life’s story—I tend to get a bit conversational.
I was born and raised in Southeastern Wisconsin, specifically in Delafield. I’m the oldest of five children, with two younger sisters and two younger brothers. My mother was a homemaker, while my father owned a small business. His family had been in the marine business for over 80 years, and he took over the business in his late 20s. This provided us with a comfortable life, and my siblings and I had the quintessential Midwest upbringing.
As a kid, I followed the expected path and went to college without a clear career direction. I excelled in athletics and became a four-time collegiate All-American in track and field at the University of Wisconsin La Crosse. However, I faced a setback when I had to take a medical withdrawal during my junior year. I eventually graduated from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee with degrees in Journalism and Political Science.
In my early to mid-20s, my life took a different turn with a series of unexpected losses that rocked our family. My father’s untimely passing due to complications from rheumatoid arthritis marked the beginning of a period of learning responsibility, independence, and bonding with my siblings. After his death, my mother, sister Katie, and I ran our family’s marine dealership for three more years. Unfortunately, we had to relinquish the business in 2016, which led to the loss of our family home and everything else.
Despite these challenges, I pivoted my career towards the real estate industry, leveraging our family name and connections. I focused solely on work, playing it safe and avoiding risks. My sisters got married and started families, while my brothers pursued their own paths. Meanwhile, I remained in Lake Country, dedicating myself to advancing my career.- one opportunity at a time. I never traveled. I never took chances. I had very few friends, and never dated.
Everything changed in 2021 when, at 35, I met my future husband, Andrew, through a colleague. Andrew brought a sense of adventure and excitement into my life, opening me up to new possibilities. He had lived a vastly different life, with international experiences and a resilient spirit that captivated me.
Our relationship blossomed quickly, and we decided to move to Arizona after discovering I was pregnant with our first child. Andrew’s sons lived in California, and he needed better access to the West Coast for his career. I had been working within the real estate industry for the last 7-8 years, and it was assumed that with my experience and connection to the Midwest, I would just build a real estate business in whatever city and community we decided upon. In the end we settled on Arizona for our growing family. I had everything about our moved planned “to a t,” and I would get my real estate career off the ground and running well before our little girl entered the world.
However, our move was met with unexpected challenges. Just a week after our arrival, my water broke at 24 weeks gestation. My OBGYN would later speculate that this was due to the combination of a bicornuate uterus and the stress our move had put on my body- that I had likely been overdoing it. I was hospitalized at HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea Medical Center with PROM (premature rupture of membranes) and placed on strict bedrest in hopes of delaying the birth of our daughter for as long as possible. No amount of hardship or preparation would have/could have prepared me for the conversations and possible scenarios Andrew and I would be faced with in that first 24 hours of being admitted.
I was warned that around 7 in 10 people give birth within 24 hours of their waters breaking, and almost all (9 in 10 people) within 48 hours. Worst of all- Andrew and I were prepped that in most cases, it is appropriate to resuscitate a baby after 25 weeks gestation but given that Piper was only 24- we would have to have a more serious conversation. Finally, the director of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit sat down to explain the dangers of a child be born so prematurely, and that in the very best-case scenario I should be aiming to try and carry Piper until 27- or 28-weeks’ gestation (another 3-4 weeks, and with my water broken). After listening to him carefully explain the positive changes and chances of survival Piper would see at 27 weeks, it was then that I made the decision that in NO WAY would I allow my body to give birth to my child.
Just 3 weeks later, I started to experience contractions and upon further inspection my doctor (Dr. Jean Moon) found that my daughter’s left hand was stuck in my cervix. Within 30 minutes time I was on an operating table preparing for her delivery via emergency c-section. Piper Kay Lindquist came into the world at 12:19pm on June 13, 2023, at 27 weeks and 1 day.
Piper would go on to spend the next 91 days in the NICU at HonorHealth, where we would live through the utter roller coaster that is watching your child fight for their life and seemingly try to parent in the only way someone who is both completely helpless and powerless can. We would be told that she may never use her left arm or hand and watch her struggle to both breathe and eat on her own. It goes without saying that nothing in life prepares you for the NICU. However, at the same time, I am not sure that there is anything in life that can build resilience, patience, determination and strength the way that the NICU does.
During our time at HonorHealth, we had the privilege of befriending some of the nurses who looked over our daughter, and some of the other NICU parents. We were lucky in the sense that a few of the babies in Piper’s “pod” were with her throughout the duration of her stay, and I joked that we were “the weirdest bunkmates at the strangest summer camp ever.” That was probably a simple way of putting it.
Piper would go on to prove she was the strongest child, she would gain full use of both her left arm and hand, and in time conquer breathing and eating. She would be discharged on September 12th, the day after her due date. Piper’s resilience during her 91 days in the NICU taught us invaluable lessons in strength and gratitude.
Today, at 10 months old (7 months adjusted), Piper is thriving. She’s a happy and strong-willed child, reminding us daily of the power of resilience. We continue to support her development through physical therapy, grateful for every milestone she reaches.
Our journey with Piper has transformed me in ways I never imagined. I’ve shifted my priorities, focusing on living in the moment and cherishing time with my family. In preparation for our move to the Scottsdale area, it was easy to get sort of starry eyed when thinking about the “glitz and glam” you often see in the “Scottsdale lifestyle.” My career in real estate has taken on new meaning, reflecting my commitment to a fulfilling life beyond professional achievements.
We are now almost exactly a year to the date of my water breaking and Piper’s birth, and we have much to be thankful for- as we look forward to our wedding in June, and spending our summer as a family with Andrew’s boys joining us for 6 weeks.
We are also hopeful and overjoyed as we anticipate the arrival of our second child—a little boy due in September (2 days after Piper’s original due date)—we embrace each day with gratitude and anticipation. After our experience with Piper, we cherish every moment, savoring the joys of parenthood and the blessings of family.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My journey has been characterized by significant challenges and obstacles- I would like to think that each has served as a test of resilience and determination.
The sudden loss of my father due to complications from rheumatoid arthritis marked the onset of adversity, leading to a series of trials including the responsibility of managing the family’s marine dealership and eventual loss of both the business, family home and life as we knew it.
Despite these setbacks, I transitioned my career towards real estate, facing the daunting task of rebuilding and establishing myself in a new field. Amidst professional pursuits, personal isolation persisted until the my unexpected meeting with Andrew, whose presence brought newfound energy and excitement into my life.
However, the joy of starting a family in Arizona was met with the premature birth of our daughter, Piper, at just 27 weeks gestation, thrusting us into the challenging realm of the NICU. Throughout the 91 days spent in the NICU, emotional highs and lows tested our strength, resilience, and faith as we navigated the complexities of premature birth and its aftermath.
Transitioning to parenthood brought a new chapter filled with joys and challenges, including ongoing medical care and physical therapy for Piper’s development. However, each hurdle we’ve faced has been met with unwavering courage, underscoring the transformative power of resilience and the profound impact of love and family.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I am currently a licensed real estate agent with Long Realty Jasper Associates, and office out of their Scottsdale Quarter location.
I bring over a decade of expertise to the forefront. With a rich background in luxury real estate, particularly specializing in fine lake and country homes. I would like to think that my journey has been defined by a commitment to excellence and personalized service.
What truly sets my brand apart is the fusion of tradition and innovation. Drawing from my family’s long-standing legacy in business, I’ve imbued my practice with the same ethos of dedication and integrity. However, my approach is about forging lasting relationships and guiding families towards their dream homes in their ideal communities.
Exceptional customer service remains the cornerstone of my business philosophy. Every client is treated with the utmost care and attention, ensuring a seamless and rewarding experience from start to finish. But beyond that, my focus is on families—understanding their unique needs, aspirations, and the emotional significance of finding the perfect home.
Whether it’s navigating the complexities of the market, negotiating on behalf of my clients, or providing invaluable insights into neighborhoods and schools, I am committed to going above and beyond expectations. My mission is simple: to turn the dream of homeownership into a reality for every family I have the privilege to serve.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I have spent a lot of time focused on self-improvement or growth. I have read any of the books that come to mind- haha. From HBR Guide to Emotional Intelligence, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, How to Win Friends and Influence People, The Power of Habit, The Alchemist, Thinking Big.. the list goes on. I was at a point in my life where I was really feeling stuck and isolated- I simply needed to be introduced to a different/bigger ways of thinking. The real estate world appears to be more negative, dark and bleak given the extreme changes we have seen throughout the industry- so, I have been mostly avoiding real estate related podcasts, blogs, etc.
Given the change I have been through- I spend a lot of time listening to parenting podcasts, and podcasts that talk about finding balance. Andrew and I have started listening to The Daily Stoic.
I have also always been a runner. One my runs is probably where I have done my best work when it comes to personal growth- however, given our experience with Piper and my new pregnancy being “high risk,” running is out of the question. I have begun work on creating a website/blog for other moms like me… maybe moms who have relocated from areas around the country and are in search of resources in and around Scottsdale. From finding mommy groups, the right neighborhood/communities for your family, organizations/groups, summer camps, school districts, walk/hiking trails, etc.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sarahd.longrealty.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahduchow_realestate/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarah.duchow/
Image Credits
The professional photos were taken by Nicole Vieau of Chasing Vieaus.
