Most people who know me have heard me talk about my 2.5-year-old son. He was recently diagnosed with childhood apraxia of speech, a motor speech disorder that makes it extremely difficult for him to communicate verbally, even though he understands far more than he can express. Today, we learned that the AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) device he needs — the tool that will give him a way to communicate — is not being covered by insurance. Even after grants and assistance, we are still short. Asking for help like this is incredibly difficult for me. It’s a blow to my pride, but the reality is that we are already stretched as thin as possible, and this is simply not a cost we can absorb right now.

This AAC device is not a luxury. For a child with apraxia of speech, it is how he will express his needs, his feelings, and his thoughts while continuing speech therapy. It’s how he will participate more fully in the world around him. It is, quite literally, his voice. If you’re able to help — whether by donating or sharing — please know how deeply grateful we are. Your support isn’t just financial; it’s helping give my son the opportunity to be heard and understood. Thank you for taking the time to read our story and for supporting our family in any way.