Why I walk for Apraxia Kids!
I walk for Apraxia Kids because this cause changed our lives.
When Stephen was 2 years old, he still didn’t have his words. We truly believed he might be nonverbal. By age 3, he continued to struggle, with little to no spoken language. We introduced an AAC device and began learning American Sign Language so he would have ways to communicate. We were doing everything we could, but we still didn’t know why he couldn’t find his voice.
That all changed the day Elizabeth - one of our incredible Walk organizers - stepped into our lives. She recognized the signs of Childhood Apraxia of Speech and guided us toward answers we didn’t even know we needed. She tested Stephen, adjusted his therapy approach, and gave us something we had been desperately hoping for: a path forward.
Today, Stephen is 5 years old and he never stops talking. I couldn't be more proud and thankful.
I didn’t know if I would ever hear my son say “I love you” or tell me about his day at school. Now, those moments happen every single day. That is the gift Apraxia awareness and specialized speech therapy brought us.
We owe so much to the speech pathologists who walked this journey with us - Elizabeth, Sharon, and Katrina. Their dedication, knowledge, and belief in Stephen played a huge role in helping him find his voice. They deserve every ounce of gratitude we can give.
Stephen is incredibly smart, caring, and funny. His Apraxia diagnosis didn't define him - it helped us understand him. It opened the door to the support he needed to thrive.
I walk for Apraxia Kids because this organization helped change the course of my child’s life.
I walk for the families who don’t yet have answers.
I walk because so many children are labeled “nonverbal” when they may actually be living with Apraxia.
I walk because every child deserves a voice.
And I will forever support this amazing cause that helped my son find his.
