Apraxia Awareness 2014

The second annual apraxia awareness day took place on Wednesday, May 14, 2014. Like last year, I made awareness ribbons and passed them out. Emailed the media and told anyone who would sit still long enough about apraxia. CASANA launched an intiative to have apraxia awareness day recognized not only in the whitehouse but in each individual state. Another apraxia mom, Danielle, got the ball rolling in Oklahoma and received a response. Senator A.J. Griffin drafted a resolution declaring it Apraxia Awareness Day in the state of Oklahoma and invited apraxia stars and their parents to be present in the gallery while the resolution was read into the record. Of course I jumped at the opportunity! Our little group decided to have matching shirts made. So on the 14th, Grant and I dressed in our blue apraxia awareness shirts, went to speech therapy and then headed to the capital in Oklahoma City. I explaine to him on the way up that this was a big day and that we were going to meet some important people. Upon arriving at Senator Griffin's office, we were treated so kindly. She and her secretary were so patient with our little apraxia stars. We took photos and then headed to the gallery. We sat and listened while the resolution was read into the record. Even though it was difficult to understand at times, due to the sound system, it was still touching. Then Senator Griffin recognized us in the gallery. That is when the most amazing moment of the day happened. All of the senators present that day, stood, faced us and gave us a standing ovation. Our little stars who are so often looked over or pushed aside for being different or difficult to deal with were BEING HONORED! They were being recognized for their hard work and perserverance. A moment I will NEVER forget! Since that day, more amazing things have happened. I had the opportunity to be interviewed by the local newspaper. Grant's story was on the front page! Because of that article, another apraxia mom from McAlester got in touch with me. We are support for each other and are working together to further raise awareness.