ST. MARYS — The 2019 North Central Pennsylvania Walk for Apraxia event will be held at Benzinger Park on Sept. 21.

Registration begins at 9 a.m. with the walk beginning at 10 a.m.

The event benefits children with apraxia of speech.

Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) is a motor speech disorder that makes it difficult for children to speak. Children with the diagnosis of apraxia of speech generally have a good understanding of language and know what they want to say. However, they have difficulty learning or carrying out the complex sequenced movements that are necessary for intelligible speech.

The Walk for Apraxia is held across the country as a means to heighten awareness and raise funding in the hopes that all children with apraxia may have access to the support they need to find their voices. The walk is open to all adults and children. Proceeds from the Walk for Apraxia benefit the mission of Apraxia Kids.

“The Walk for Apraxia brings families in our local communities together to celebrate the hard work of children with apraxia who spend countless hours in speech therapy fighting for their voices,” said walk coordinator Kelli Surra. “It is really special being able to connect with other local families and to be able to share our stories. It’s a very emotional celebration of amazing, hardworking children. The communities’ support means the world to our family. The local businesses that donate, the local school district, our older daughters softball, and basketball teams, all of our friends and family supporting Apraxia Awareness is absolutely wonderful.”

Raising awareness is one of the most tangible ways that communities at large can help children with apraxia thrive. Collective increased awareness means that children will be diagnosed faster, resulting in better, earlier intervention.