Truman Johnston
The second-annual Tri-State 5k / Walk for Children with Apraxia of Speech will take place Sept. 13 at Veterans Memorial Park in Union Township. Everyone is invited to help raise awareness and break the silence.

“CAS or Childhood Apraxia of Speech is a motor planning speech disorder that occurs when a child’s brain has difficulty sending signals for the mouth to make sounds,” said Tara Johnston of Batavia, the walk coordinator, whose 4-year-old son, Truman, has the disorder. “We are trekking for Truman and all of the children with apraxia to help give them a voice, raise awareness and spread the word.”

Last year at the inaugural walk, more than $20,000 was raised to fund apraxia research and programs where 400 walkers participated. This year, organizers are hoping for 500 participants and a goal of $25,000. The walk features a trek (an official timed 5k) and a trot (1-2 mile leisure walk). There will be food, games, a raffle – lots of family fun!

Because of the lack of research, it is unknown how many children are silenced by apraxia but current trends have placed the ratio at 1 in 1,500 births. At last year’s event, 31 local children with apraxia were recognized and celebrated in a “Hall of Fame” as part of the walk. This year, 40 will be honored along with their siblings and parents.

“Last year was a day of CHANGE – the camaraderie, cause, climate and crowd gave us an overwhelming flood of emotions,” Johnston recalled. “These children depend on family, friends and society to help them communicate effectively, yet words were unnecessary that day as you saw everyone in a united front – strangers shaking hands, parents hugging their kids and friends high-fiving, encircling these children with love.”

All funds raised at this year’s walk go to Childhood Apraxia of Speech Association of North America (CASANA), which supports apraxia research and programs. The walk will take place Sept. 13 at Veterans Memorial Park, 906 Clough Pike, 45245. Check- in and registration begins at 9 a.m., the 5k trek starts promptly at 9:30 a.m. and the trot begins at 10:15 a.m. Registration is $20 for adults, $10 for children up until event day.

For more information and to register, go to http://secure.apraxia-kids.org/cincinnatiwalk.