Why I walk for Apraxia Kids!
When Gabriella was 18 months old, her world felt quiet—she made sounds but not words, and her communication was unpredictable, doing one thing one day and forgetting it the next. In the isolating heat of the COVID years, we thought limited social interaction was the reason. But as she had more chances to engage, progress still didn’t come. She began dragging a leg, responding slowly, and her emotions ran high. We searched for answers—doctor after doctor—and began early intervention therapy.
What unfolded over the past year has been nothing short of miraculous. Gabriella met every obstacle with fierce determination. Her noises grew into clear sounds, then into words, as she worked each day to speak and move more freely. Even when her legs grew tired, she pushed on.
Small victories became shining milestones: at five she spoke her first full sentence; in May she hopped for the first time; and this week in June she swam in a class of three and even asked me to play tennis with her—content just to walk onto the court for 17 minutes. I walk beside Gabriella—walking for her fight, her joy, the bright passion she brings to our family, and her love for Jesus.
We love you, Gabs. We are so proud of you.
— Mommy and DadaI 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”.
Thank you to our Donors
$1,000
Dawn & Bill O'neill
$508
Cynthia Pugliese
$270
Hal And Mary Sue Stetson
$270
Nancy Hansen
Best!
$258
Richard And Nadine Woldenberg
$220
Molly Nessinger
$220
Donna And Rusty Walker
We are with you all the way on your quest to raise money to support your daughter!
$161
The Thickens Family
Wishing the best for the entire Pugliese family!
$111
Omi And Grandpa Scott
$111
Michael Magliano
$111
Korie & Robin
$111
Denise Cucci
$111
Katie Lundgren
$111
Marco & Dianne Carbajo
❤️❤️
$108
Dorothy Mueller
$108
Alexandra Ruggie
$108
Dave & Cj
$108
Tiffany Pugliese
$108
Diane & Ken Adamson
Our thoughts and prayers are with Gabriella, Tiffany, you and your entire beautiful and amazing family.🩷 🙏🙏🙏 May God bless all of you.
$108
Nick Iovino
$108
Scott Jochim
$108
Mary Kaisen
$100
Rebecca Whittenhall
$100
Sandy Cugliotta
$100
Julie O'neill
Love you sweet Gabriella!❤️
$100
Scott And Sandy Semar
$57
Alexis Bartucci
Love yous!
$57
Lauren Curgino
$57
Sue Bettenhausen
$57
Ken Sorensen
$57
Vicki Custer
$57
Ken Sorensen
$56
Keith Nelson
$56
Moe Mcenerney
$56
Anonymous
$56
Kevin O'brien
$54
Tim Davoren
$50
Carolyn Stefely
$50
Guillermo Corona
$50
Klotz Family
We love you Gabi!
$50
Nancy Brooks
$50
Nancy Whisler
$29
Diane Brixius
Best of luck in the run!
$29
Leyton Wilcox
$29
Butteris Family
$28
Maria Lubick
$28
Dominic Pugliese
$25
Bentley
$20
Jovita Salazar
$11
Andrea Barlass
$10
I love you Gabriella, We are so proud of how hard you work to find your voice every day.