Why I walk for Apraxia Kids!
Recently both Orson and Mateo were diagnoses with childhood apraxia of speech. In the last couple months, as every worried mother would do I suspect, I have thrown myself, and the kiddos in to ways we can learn about apraxia and support them in their speech growth. The Colorado Apraxia walk sounded like a nice way for us to connect and support. I chose to become a walk leader and to walk to support my kiddos and 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.
Apraxia is a fairly new diagnosis so 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. It is surpeizing to me how little even some of the professionals know about this challenging disorder, and at how often I am told, "its fine, they will talk, sometimes it just takes a while." **I fully embrase that everything will be fine, I am ok, they are ok. But it feels disheartening and dismissive to the reality of how hard language is for these kiddos. I have watched both of them try to say words they know, that just cant come out of their mouths. I have watched their frustration, their saddness that I don't understand, and I have seen them become resigned when we just aren't going to understand that one. My heart breaks each time this happens. And I so desperately want to understand and hear all the things they have to say and share. They are working really hard! Speech, for the majority of us isn't something we have to think about. Words just come out. For these little ones, speech is their Everest.
Come walk with us, join our team. Or help me meet my fundraising goal by making a donation. You, too, can make an impact for children and families affected by apraxia!
When? Saturday, September 21st
Registration: 9:00 a.m.
Walk begins at: 10:00 a.m.
Where? Great Lawn Park
Location: 101 Yosemite St
Denver, CO 80230
I believe, “Every child deserves a voice”.
