Cassie's Panda Squad

Chicago Walk for Apraxia

Why we walk for Apraxia Kids!

We are writing to ask if you could sponsor us in the Walk for Apraxia to support the Apraxia Kids Charity.  Apraxia Kids is a charity that supports children and families.  There are hundreds of resources on their website like an IEP road map, insurance guidance, support groups, grants for AAC devices, and week long boot camp training for SLPs.  

Cassie has spent the three years in specialized speech focusing on Childhood Apraxia of Speech.  She has been working on vocabulary and transitioning from one sound to another and Myofunctional Therapy - working on training and retraining muscles in her face, jaw, and neck.  When needed, her speech and language pathologist uses physical prompts to help her position her jaw in the correct location and Cassie loves when they use the giant mouth and tongue to help show her how to position her mouth.  

She has become much more confident in talking to new people when there is a set script like ordering food at a restaurant.  She still gets anxious when meeting people in a more open conversation.  

We also found out that children with CAS are more likely to have trouble with literacy skills (50%-75%).  Cassie is going great in reading, but struggling with her writing - getting her ideas out and spelling.  After some additional testing, she was diagnosed with dyslexia and is now getting some more support at school.   

Thank you to our Donors

$525

Frank, Jen And Don

Cassie, congratulations on being a star. We already knew that about you. All our love.

$270

Anonymous

$217

Beth Donoghue

$161

Terry Donoghue

Thanks for sharing the video, it was great seeing Cassie!

$111

Walter Duszynski

$111

Anne And Larry Donoghue

Loved your video, Cassie.

$111

Anita & Kevin Donoghue

Way to go Cassie. We are so proud of you

$108

John Duszynski

$57

Trisha

$57

Dayle A Kolak

$57

The Larsson 😍

$50

Aunt Patti

Go Cassie and your Panda Squad!

$29

Marietta Grajek

$29

Jackie Mattson

$29

Anonymous

$29

Lee Andler

Best Wishes 🥰

$29

Allison Bisignani

$29

Diana Schoblocher

$23

Elyse Willis

$23

Christy

$23

Wendy Spyrison

$15

Monica Moser

$15

Christy Sherman