Team Darius

Why I walk for Apraxia Kids!

In 2013, Darius was diagnosed with Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS), a rare neurological speech disorder that affects a child’s ability to plan and coordinate the movements needed for speech. At the time, we had never heard of apraxia and had no idea what the future would hold.

Today, Darius is 16 years old and continues to work hard every day to communicate with the world around him. While he remains largely nonverbal, he has made incredible progress through years of speech therapy, the use of his communication device, support from his school team, and countless hours of practice at home. Every time someone understands him, engages with him, or takes the time to connect with him, it reminds us just how far he has come.

At 16 years old, Darius continues to remind us that communication comes in many forms and that meaningful connection is possible even without spoken words. One of the greatest lessons he has taught our family is the importance of patience, understanding, inclusion, and human connection. Through his journey, we have met so many wonderful families, therapists, educators, and advocates who have helped us along the way.

Many of you have followed Darius’s journey for years, and your encouragement, support, and generosity have helped us celebrate every milestone along the way. Whether you have donated, participated in the walk, shared our fundraiser, or simply cheered Darius on, please know how much your kindness has meant to our family.

That is why we are once again participating in the Annual Walk for Apraxia on September 19, 2026, in support of the Childhood Apraxia of Speech Association of North America (CASANA). Over the years, this organization has provided our family with valuable resources, educational materials, research updates, advocacy tools, and connections to a community that truly understands the challenges and triumphs of living with apraxia.

Funds raised through this event support apraxia awareness, research, family resources, and programs that help children find their voice and families find support.

If you are able, we would be grateful for your support of Team Darius through a donation and/or by joining us at the walk. No donation is too small, and every contribution helps make a difference.

Thanks to your incredible generosity, Team Darius has consistently exceeded our fundraising goals over the years. This year, our goal is to raise $1,500 by September 19, 2026, to support apraxia awareness, research, family resources, and programs that help children find their voice. With your continued support, we are hopeful that we can once again reach—and perhaps even exceed—our goal.

Whether you donate, walk alongside us, share our fundraiser, or simply keep Darius and other children with apraxia in your thoughts, please know how much your support means to our family.

Thank you for being part of Darius’s journey and for helping us raise awareness for children and families affected by apraxia.

With love and gratitude,

Sani, Darius & Samira