Why Do I Participate in the Walk for Childhood Apraxia of Speech?

When Grant was first diagnosed with Childhood Apraxia of Speech, I was lost. My perfect little angel had a disorder that I, nor anyone else I know, had ever heard of. I was desperate for answers, guidance and support. I felt so alone in this world. I spent hours researching. In my research, I happened upon a facebook group called apraxia-kids. Thank God! There, I learned that we weren't totally alone. There were thousands just like us! In that group became familiar with the Childhood Apraxia of Speech Association of North America, the National CASANA Conference, and the Apraxia Walks. Still reaching for answers and support, I applied for a scholarship for the National Conference. I wanted the best opportunity to learn as much as I could about apraxia in order to help Grant. A few weeks later I was notified that I was a recipient of a partial scholarship which waived all but $80 of my registration fee. I was never more excited to pack my bags and head off on my own. It was tough, though. This was the first time I had ever left Grant for more than 36 hours. You see, conference lasts 3.5 days plus travel time, but tis trip was FOR Grant, so off I went. CASANA Conference... WOW! What an experience. To be surrounded by parents and professionals who all have one main thing in common - APRAXIA. They got it. They all understood and I didn't have to explain to anyone what apraxia was. We spoke the same language, and we shared the same goals. How inspiring! I learned so much about apraxia and being a parent of a child with apraxia that my head was swimming. The entire conference experience was so fulfilling that when walking out the front door after my last seminar, I literally cried knowing the experience was coming to a close. At conference, I learned about the many programs (including conference itself) that are funded by the apraxia walks. I met the walk "guru" (Justin LeWinter) himself as well as several walk coordinators and was inspired. I had to see what this apraxia walk thing was all about. That year, there was not a walk in Oklahoma, so Grant, my sister-in-law and I loaded up and headed to Dallas to participate in their walk. Again, wow! This time, not only was I surrounded by parents and therapists but also KIDS with apraxia! Grant had the opportunity to meet and play with other kids who were a lot like him. The day was all about the apraxia superstars! There were several fun activities for them before the walk. All of those who walked were walking in honor of these children and all of their hard work. After the walk came the medal ceremony - a moment I will never forget. When Sarah placed the medal around his neck, he beamed with pride. He was being recognized, not for being different but for the hard work, determination and tenacity it takes to battle childhood apraxia of speech. He always has been and always will be a super hero in my eyes, but that day he was a super hero in everyone else' eyes as well. CASANA is a fantastic organization headed up by loving, big hearted individuals who have "been there" and understand the struggles of children with CAS as well as the struggles of their parents. I walk to help raise funds so that they may continue the many programs they offer. I walk to be surrounded by other families and children who "get it". Mainly, though, I walk for my super hero, Grant. May he always leap tall buildings in a single bound and soar high above all expectations. I walk to help him beat the villain called apraxia.