2009 Abbie's Angels Walk for Children with Apraxia of Speech
East Meadow, New York
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2009 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM Eisenhower Park Parking Field #5, the "Cherry Area" 1899 Hempstead Turnpike East Meadow, NY 11554
As many of you may know, our little Abbie has had more than her fair share of strikes against her during her short life. However, when you meet her, you see a four and a half year old little girl who lives on love, appears happy, is innately kind and looks at the world with hope in her bright eyes. The twinkle of light that we see in those beautiful eyes is what guides us on this journey to battle one of her biggest afflictions, Childhood Apraxia of Speech.
Children with CAS experience significant difficulty in planning and sequencing the precise and coordinated movements of the jaw, lips and tongue required for speech production. Speech sounds, words and phrases are not produced with the automaticity or intelligibility that occurs in normal development.
In Abbie’s honor and in honor of all of the thousands of children who are affected with this neurological disorder who don’t have a voice of their own, we have organized a Walk-a-Thon to help raise awareness and financial support for this worthy and under-recognized cause. All proceeds raised in connection with the walk-a-thon will benefit CASANA (Childhood Apraxia of Speech Association of North America), a 501(c)3 non-profit publicly funded charity, whose mission is to strengthen the support systems in the lives of children with apraxia so that each child is afforded their best opportunity to develop speech.
The 2-1/2 mile walk will be a family-friendly fun day at the park! Register now, ask family & friends to sponsor you and bring anyone else who also wishes to support our cause. Strollers, bicycles and rollerblades are welcome…. Unfortunately, pets are not permitted in the park (booo!)
Think for a moment how wonderful it is to hear the first time your child's gentle little voice says “I love you”. Abbie has yet to say those three sweet words but with the help of CASANA and many others, she is on her way to learning how. We have to give these children all the help we can to live the lives they deserve…..until they can speak for themselves. With your help and support, we can make a difference.
PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO WATCH THE CASANA CAMPAIGN VIDEO WHOSE LINK CAN BE FOUND IN THE LEFT SIDE MENU OF THIS PAGE. IT IS A GLIMPSE INTO THE LIFE OF A CHILD AND FAMILY AFFECTED WITH CAS. YOU WILL COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS!
Register by September 25, 2009 to receive your Apraxia Walk Tshirt!
Jenn Forte, Long Island, NY Apraxia Walk Coordinator
