Saturday, May 31, 2014

Brothers . May 2014

I may need an intervention.

In my defense, I had several occasions this month where I wanted a picture of the boys captured.  And, for the most part, I had willing participants.  So...

Brothers . May 2014 - Harvick & Jarrett's Birthday
(Harvick, Ryder, and Jarrett)

Brothers . May 2014 - Mother's Day
(Harvick, Ryder, and Jarrett)

Brothers . May 2014 - Apraxia Awareness Day
(Harvick, Ryder, and Jarrett)

All Previous Brothers Posts | May 2013 | May 2012 | May 2011
Linking to these just made me realize that May is typically a hard month for me to narrow it down to just one picture.  I'm not sure if that makes me feel better, or not...

Monday, May 12, 2014

Apraxia Awareness Day . 2014

Wednesday, May 14th is the second annual Apraxia Awareness Day.

Much like I did last year, I find myself struggling with this day.

Bringing awareness is important.  In order for people to understand why our boys do not speak, they really have to know that they are affected by Apraxia.  Apraxia is not a visible disorder.  By looking at our boys, you would never know there is something much deeper going on inside.

Yet, our boys will not be defined by this.  I fight to ensure their teachers understand, that they are included in all typical activities of their peers.  Yet, I want their teachers to have high expectations of them, to not excuse behavior because of their inability to talk.

It's a fine line to walk.

Another Apraxia mom explained the struggle of Apraxia well on her blog:

Imagine you are a small child, playing outside, and you get stung by a bee or fall down and hurt yourself. You’re scared and crying and you run to your parents. But you can’t tell them what happened or how to help you or where it hurts. So you just sob and embrace your mom and dad until your just get used to the pain or it goes away.

This is us everyday right now.  Harvick and Jarrett do not have the ability to tell us what is wrong.  What is hurting them, what they need to feel better.  We comfort them, and make our best attempts to determine what's wrong, but often have unanswered questions.

This was us everyday with Ryder.  It is through intense speech therapy that we have a son who is able to articulate his feelings.  His emotions.  Without therapy it wouldn't be possible.

Like last year, the Childhood Apraxia of Speech Association of North America (CASANA) is encouraging people to wear blue & white on Wednesday, May 14th to bring awareness to Apraxia.  Last year I was surprised by just how many people made the decision to join us.  We'd love for you to join our family in this show of support again!

We will beat this thing.


One-step-at-a-time.

Monday, May 5, 2014

Apraxia Walk REGISTRATION . 2014

It's that time of year again!  The Childhood Apraxia of Speech Association of Northern America (CASANA) hosts an annual walk to benefit further research and support of Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS, or just "Apraxia" is what I say).

You can see a recap of our perspective on last year's Apraxia Walk HERE.

The details for the upcoming Utah Apraxia Walk:

WHEN:
Saturday, June 7, 2014
Registration: 10:00-11:30am
Walk: 11:30am

WHERE:
Legacy Park - Foxboro Splash Pad & Park
1160 W 1100 N
North Salt Lake City, UT 84054
(about 20-30 minutes south of Ogden/Roy)

I don't know the exact length of the Walk, but it will be at least a mile, up to two - when I know more, I'll update here.

COST: 
$20/adult
$10/child
Registration increases $5/adult day of the Walk.

In order to ensure you get a shirt in your size, registration should be completed online by this Sunday - May 11, 2014.

2014 Apraxia Walk Shirt

To register multiple people in one transaction, CLICK HERE.  On the upper left corner there is a blue "REGISTER HERE" button.  After you agree to the Waiver/Agreement, select "Register Family", then "Join a Team", and choose "Team Hansen" from the drop-down menu.  

To register a single person, CLICK HERE.  On the upper right corner there is a blue "Join Team" button.  After you agree to the Waiver/Agreement, complete the form(s).

And, because I said it well last year, I'll repeat the same again - 
I do know the cost of the event can add up, especially if you have children.  I know it's in Bountiful North Salt Lake - 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 alongside our family "in spirit".


Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Let me know if you have any questions.

(Jarrett, Ryder, and Harvick)

We'll beat this thing, one-step-at-a-time.