5K Run and Walk to Raise Money for Kids with Speech Disorder

Diana Schenkenberger of Norton is coordinating the 2013 Akron Area 5K Run & Walk for Children with Apraxia of Speech event on Saturday, Sept. 21 at Boettler Park.  

To date, nearly 100 participants have raised more than $3,000. All proceeds will benefit important apraxia programs and research of the Childhood Apraxia of Speech Association of North America (CASANA).

Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) is a challenging and complicated neurological speech disorder in children. This little-known disorder makes it difficult or impossible for children to accurately produce sounds, syllables and/or words despite having a good understanding of language.  

The Walk for Children with Apraxia of Speech® is held as a means to heighten awareness and funding.

“Thanks to early intervention, great support from family and friends, and the amazing efforts of his speech therapist, my son Jack is making outstanding progress," Schenkenberger said in a news release. "We are holding the Akron Run & Walk this year to help raise awareness for other area children like Jack." 

The event is open to all adults and children. On-site registration and check-in on Sept. 21 begins at 9 a.m. for runners and 9:30 a.m. for walkers, with the run starting at 9:30 a.m. and the walk at 10 a.m.  

Anyone interested in registering, making a donation, or learning more about the event can contact akronapraxiawalk@gmail.com or visit the event website at http://secure.apraxia-kids.org/akronwalk.