Why I walk for Apraxia Kids!

I walk to support all children diagnosed with apraxia of speech - our Apraxia Stars. To show these children they are not alone and to acknowledge all the hard work they must do to overcome communication challenges that affect their day-to-day lives.  

I walk to raise funds for the mission of Apraxia Kids – to strengthen the support systems in the lives of children with apraxia of speech by educating professionals and families; facilitating community engagement and outreach; and investing in the future through advocacy and research.

Please help me meet my fundraising goal by making a donation now or by joining our team.  You, too, can make an impact for children and families affected by apraxia!

I believe, “Every child deserves a voice”. 

A message from the Zusys:

Those of you closest to us know that we’ve been on a journey to help Aliza with her speech since she was about 18 months. Now, a freshly turned 3 years old, our kind, intelligent girl does an incredible job communicating her wants and needs with others through a lot of sign language and gestures, yet very little spoken word.

She understands all the things and if you are fortunate enough to spend time with her, your mind is likely blown with how creative she is in sharing her thoughts through gestures for unknown signs. I know we are blown away by her daily. She is also the most empathetic toddler I've ever met. To know her, is to love her. 

All of that said, after a suspected diagnosis since about 18 months, we received the official diagnosis of Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) about a month ago from Nancy Kaufman at the world renowned Kaufman Center. CAS is a neurological disorder that affects the ability for one to plan the appropriate oral movements to verbally communicate a word aloud accurately & intelligibly (if at all). Aliza knows exactly what it is she wants to say, it just doesn’t quite come out as easily as it does for a lot of us. Every child with CAS is very different and so prognosis can be difficult. However, evidence shows with intensive speech therapy, through repetitions focused on oral motor planning, Aliza may find her voice one day  

This upcoming weekend we are walking in Detroit for Apraxia Kid’s annual “Walk for Apraxia” to honor our CAS warrior. If you have the ability to donate for a great cause, one in which supports further research, community events, professional education and more, please select the "donate now" option above. If you’d like to join us on the walk, be sure to choose "join Staceys team"! Thank you for your time & your support!