Walk for Children with Apraxia of Speech

3 words. 3 boys.

Apraxia of Speech.
Just as I say I have begun to ACCEPT this, it hits us again.

3 boys.

What are the odds of every child in a family having this condition? I can't find an answer. Primary Children's Medical Center told us, at Ryder's diagnosis, they have not treated a sibling set. Most articles, blogs, and research I find online suggest it is not common to have multiple children affected.

Yet, here we sit.

Before I get ahead of myself, Harvick & Jarrett have not been diagnosed with Apraxia, it is just "suspected". At their Early Intervention assessments, they each tested average, or well above average in all sections...except one. Verbal expression. Their cognition, gross motor, fine motor, self help, and social/emotional skills are within typical (or above) range. However, each of the boys scored dismally low on verbal expression. Patrick & I knew this going into the appointments, we fully anticipated the results, yet, I couldn't help but feel sadness when the results were presented to us.

There is still the possibility that Harvick & Jarrett just have delayed speech. They are the youngest. They are boys. They have an older sibling willing to do things for them, and each other, with whom they are able to easily communicate. It may just be a delay.

Whatever it is, we will face it head on, together. We have tools, resources, and support. We have the most amazing SLP who is willing to work with all 3, when the time comes. Early Intervention has qualified the boys to participate in Speech (like Ryder did), and we have been assigned a therapist who will meet with them twice monthly.

And, speaking of support...I'd like to invite each of you reading to take action with our family. The Childhood Apraxia of Speech Association of North American (CASANA - you can even "pronounce" the acronym - "cuh-sauna") has a walk in support of Apraxia. All money raised goes back to CASANA - supporting research and furthering the education of this diagnosis (more specific details HERE).

 
More Apraxia Walk information:
Where: Bountiful City Park
When: Saturday, April 20th
Length: Approximately 2K (runners take about 20 minutes, walkers take 30-40)
Cost: $20/adult, $10/child (children are not required to be registered, but will only receive a T-shirt if they are).
*You must register by March 24th in order to guarantee you will receive a T-shirt in your size.

I do know the cost of the event can add up, especially if you have children. I know it's in Bountiful - a bit of a drive for many of you. If it would work for your family, we would welcome the support of you joining us. Walking with us. But, for those of you whom this is not a possibility, for any reason, there is no pressure. We know that you walk along side of our family "in spirit".
For more details about the walk in general, you can go HERE. 

And, to register, you can go to our TEAM HANSEN page HERE.

If anyone reading is interested in making a financial contribution, without attending the walk, the website does allow for this as well.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

This is the shirt for this year's walk...tell me it's not meant to be - the shirt color is GREEN - Ryder's color!

One-step-at-a-time.