When
Kellen was first diagnosed with apraxia, I sought out resources. I remember
feeling this strong need to connect with others who were climbing the same
mountain that we were. I did multiple google searches which brought me to the
CASANA site (Childhood Apraxia of Speech Association of North America). That in
turn led me searching for groups on Facebook. I found a wonderful group through
Facebook that I quickly joined. It became a huge resource for me to hear
stories, watch videos, read questions/concerns/challenges/successes of kids
like Kellen.
Through the Facebook group, I also first heard about Apraxia Awareness
Day. This day is set aside as May 14th each year. However, it is not
readily nationally recognized. Through the group, it came to light that in
order for Apraxia Awareness Day to be fully recognized in a state, someone
needed to submit a request for a proclamation to the Governor. I did a quick
search and found that Michigan hadn’t had it declared as an awareness day. So,
I talked with Dave and we decided to submit a request for a proclamation. I
wrote Governor Snyder (with guidance from the Apraxia group!), and at the end
of March we received word that our request had been approved! We got a PDF copy
of the proclamation via e-mail and were encouraged to take a trip to the
Capitol to pick up the actual hard copy and tour the Capitol building.
  |
| The PDF copy of the Proclamation |
Because
we were not going anywhere on Spring Break, Dave and I decided that our week
off was the perfect time to travel to Lansing and pick up the proclamation! I,
of course, have toured the Capitol many times but Dave had not and of course
Kellen had never been there either. It was an incredible experience. Governor Snyder
wasn’t there but we were given a tour of his office (something I had never
done!) as well as the whole building. It was pretty moving to know what we were
a part of. We have realized how important awareness is for our sweet boy and
others like him. We are working every day to help him realize just how amazing
he is and just how much he can achieve. Below are some pictures of our day at
the Capitol. We have since framed the proclamation and it is up in his room… a
reminder of just how strong his voice can be.
 |
| Hanging out in the Governor's office |
 |
| First look at the actual proclamation! |
No comments:
Post a Comment