Why I walk for Apraxia Kids! Gabriellas Story
When Gabriella was 18 months old, her world felt quiet—she made sounds but not words, and her communication was unpredictable, doing one thing one day and forgetting it the next. In the isolating heat of the COVID years, we thought limited social interaction was the reason. But as she had more chances to engage, progress still didn’t come. She began dragging a leg, responding slowly, and her emotions ran high. We searched for answers—doctor after doctor—and began early intervention therapy.
What unfolded over the past year has been nothing short of miraculous. Gabriella met every obstacle with fierce determination. Her noises grew into clear sounds, then into words, as she worked each day to speak and move more freely. Even when her legs grew tired, she pushed on.
Small victories became shining milestones: at five she spoke her first full sentence; in May she hopped for the first time; and this week in June she swam in a class of three and even asked me to play tennis with her—content just to walk onto the court for 17 minutes. I walk beside Gabriella—walking for her fight, her joy, the bright passion she brings to our family, and her love for Jesus.
We love you, Gabs. We are so proud of you. — Mommy and Dada
I walk to support all children diagnosed with apraxia of speech - our Apraxia Stars. To show these children they are not alone and to acknowledge all the hard work they must do to overcome communication challenges that affect their day-to-day lives.
Please help me meet my fundraising goal by making a donation now or by joining our team. You, too, can make an impact for children and families affected by apraxia!
I believe, “Every child deserves a voice”.]
