Chelsea Boytim

Why I walk for Apraxia Kids!

I walk for the little voices that are strong and determined but trapped behind words that won’t come out the way they’re meant to. I walk for the parents who’ve heard “just wait” or “they’ll grow out of it,” when deep down they know their child is working twice as hard just to say “I love you.” I walk because I’ve seen the frustration in my daughters eyes when her mind is racing ahead, but her mouth won’t cooperate. And I’ve seen the joy — the absolute triumph — when a single clear word finally breaks through. Our daughter has been in 3-6 therapies a week since she was 3 years old... she's now almost 7. Up to 6 appointments weekly practicing sounds, sequencing movements, strengthening muscles, building motor plans and fighting for words that most of us speak effortlessly. Our Apraxia Stars are amazing and deserve a day celebrating them!

I coordinate the Cleveland Walk for Apraxia because this cause deserves movement. It deserves community. It deserves people who refuse to let Childhood Apraxia of Speech be misunderstood or overlooked. Every step together says you are not alone! We are in this together. I’m here not just as a coordinator, not just as an advocate but as a fellow apraxia mama who truly gets it.I know the therapy rooms. The endless practice. The way your heart swells with pride over a single sound that other people might overlook. I know the exhaustion of advocating, explaining, educating and then doing it all over again the next day. I know the ache of wanting the world to slow down and really listen to your child.

I also know the strength that grows in this journey. The fierce love. The resilience. The way our kids fight for every word and how that fight makes every word powerful.I’m here as someone walking this road too. I’m here as a mom who understands the tears and the triumphs. And I’m here as a friend, someone you can sit beside when it’s heavy and celebrate with when it’s beautiful.