Sweet, smart, adorable, Cameron Combes, 3 years young, recently received a confirmed diagnosis of Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS).  Anyone who has met Cameron, can see an incredibly smart, funny, little boy who can understand everything you say, but can not reply or communicate his thoughts back to you. This is not because he doesn't want to, it is because he CAN'T. The reason has now been confirmed...Childhood Apraxia!  Although the cause is not known exactly, Cameron is unable to move his mouth, jaw, tongue and lips to speak when his brain tells it to. There is essentially a disconnect between what his brain is thinking, and the motor planning that takes place in order for his mouth to express it.  The only way of improving this, is to work with a Speech Language Pathologist as often as possible.  Research shows that therapy, 5 days a week, with a SLP specifically trained in Apraxia is the only effective way for a child to resolve Apraxia.  
Cameron's therapy is extraordinarily costly, and Chris and Lindsey have been paying out of pocket for nearly a year, in order to have Cameron with the best Speech Therapists in Los Angeles, who are Apraxia trained. Sadly, many insurance companies specifically deny coverage of Apraxia, because they know it is a LONG, insensive and expensive endeavor to take on.  However, with the proper therapy, it is entirely possible to overcome the challenges of Apraxia!  Unfortunately, many  therapists do NOT understand how to properly treat Apraxia, and because it requires specialized training and additional education, many therapists can not afford to gain the additional knowledge needed to help these children overcome their speech challenges. 

On June 21, 2016, the Combes Family received the phone call of a lifetime! Out of hundreds of children who have applied, Cameron has been choosen to participate in the Summer Speaks program, with Nancy Kauffman, in Detroit Michigan.  He will be one of ONLY 12 children who have been accepted to participate in this 2 week long, intensive therapy program with the GURU of Apraxia!  This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for Cameron to receive therapy from a highly skilled, highly trained staff of therapists, who truly understand his diagnoses and needs.  Nancy Kauffman has been the angel to help MANY young children find their voice!  
 
Due to the fact that Cameron has just been granted a spot in the program from the waitlist, the Combes family has been presented with the challenging task of raising a very large sum of money in order to fund this much needed therapy, in a very short amount of time.  Many friends and family have expressed a strong desire to help in any way they can, and have urged Chris and Lindsey to start this Gofundme campaign, but they have been apprehensive to do so.  I'm taking it upon myself to help rally their village! Let's show them we are behind them, and support their amazing efforts to seek out THE BEST, most effective help, for Cameron to succeed today, and in all his future endeavours! 
I know we ALL want to help Cameron do something that we all take for granted, and that is to help him speak!  So please think about the life changing benefits this sweet boy, his family and his friends will reap, from your generosity and kindness.  Any amount you are able to give, will be greatly appreciated!  Let's get Cameron to Michigan for this life changing therapy opportunity!
Thank you all for your love, prayers and support of the  Combes Family!