Amber Longley

Why I walk for Apraxia Kids and Amelia!

We walk for Amelia, our sweet, determined, music-loving three-year-old who was diagnosed with Childhood Apraxia of Speech earlier this year.

For a long time, we knew Amelia had so much she wanted to say. She understood us, had big ideas, an even bigger personality, and found plenty of ways to make herself known—but getting the words out was incredibly difficult for her. Receiving her apraxia diagnosis finally gave us an explanation, but it also opened our eyes to how misunderstood Childhood Apraxia of Speech can be and how difficult it can be for families to find the specialized therapy, resources, and support their children need.

Since her diagnosis, Amelia has worked incredibly hard. Every new word, every new sound, and every time she puts more words together is something we celebrate. Things that may seem small to someone else can represent an enormous amount of practice and determination for a child with apraxia. She continues to amaze us with how hard she is willing to work to make her voice heard.

But Amelia is so much more than her diagnosis. She is funny, loving, fearless, stubborn in the very best way, and completely full of personality. She loves music, loves to sing in her own way, and has a family—especially a big brother who absolutely adores her—cheering for her every step of the way.

I became involved with the Walk for Apraxia because I wanted to turn what we have learned through Amelia’s journey into something that could help other families too. No parent should receive this diagnosis and feel like they have to figure everything out alone. Raising money for Apraxia Kids means helping provide education, resources, advocacy, awareness, and support for children like Amelia and the families standing beside them.

We walk so that more people understand what apraxia is.

We walk for better access to appropriate services and treatment.

We walk for every child working incredibly hard for words that most of us never have to think twice about saying.

And most of all, we walk for Amelia—because her voice matters, and we cannot wait to hear everything she has to say.