Deanna Zourelias

Why I walk for Apraxia Kids!

I’m walking for my granddaughter Dayla.

Dayla was diagnosed with Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) at just two years old and has been receiving speech therapy ever since. Childhood Apraxia of Speech is a rare neurological motor speech disorder. Children with CAS know exactly what they want to say, but their brains have difficulty planning and coordinating the movements needed to produce speech.

When Dayla was first diagnosed, she could only say a few words, including "Momma" and "Dada." Communicating her wants, needs, and thoughts was often frustrating for her. Through countless hours of therapy, hard work, and determination, she has made incredible progress.

Today, Dayla can say so much more, and every new word, sentence, and conversation is a reminder of how hard she has worked to find her voice. While she continues to face challenges, she tackles them with strength, perseverance, and a smile.

We walk to raise awareness about Childhood Apraxia of Speech, support families navigating this diagnosis, and help fund research, education, and resources for children with CAS. Most importantly, we walk to celebrate Dayla and all she has accomplished.

If you've had the chance to hear Dayla talk recently, you've witnessed just how far she's come. From just a few words to full conversations, her growth has been nothing short of amazing. We couldn't be prouder of her journey.