The event begins at 11 a.m. with a ceremony beginning at 12 p.m. Registration is FREE!
Childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) is a rare motor speech disorder that makes it difficult for an individual to speak. Treatment includes intense speech therapy and sometimes other therapies to help individuals reach their highest communication ability. However, there is no cure.
Raising awareness is one of the most tangible ways communities at large can help children with apraxia thrive. Increased collective awareness means that children will be diagnosed faster, resulting in better, earlier intervention.
Celebrating apraxia stars
The Walk for Apraxia is the largest community event that celebrates the hard work of our apraxia stars, children diagnosed with CAS. The day includes family-friendly activities, a ceremony and a short, inclusive group walk to raise awareness.
Neil Kilby, father of an Apraxia Star, says, “Apraxia Stars need a team behind them. That team includes both parents, family members, SLP’s and organizations like Apraxia Kids.”
(Courtesy, Apraxia Kids)
Participating in the Walk for Apraxia helps show Apraxia Stars that there is a team of supporters surrounding them in their community. Invite friends and family to this community event to meet local Apraxia Stars and show support for all of their hard work!
Funds raised through the 2024 Walk for Apraxia benefit Apraxia Kids, the leading nonprofit that works to strengthen the support systems in the lives of children with CAS. Apraxia Kids educates both families and speech-language professionals so that children with CAS can reach their highest communication potential through accurate diagnosis and appropriate, timely treatment.
Event registration
For more information on how to join the Walk for Apraxia, click here.
U.S. health officials now consider COVID-19 an endemic disease which essentially means that COVID is here to stay in fairly predictable ways (Courtesy, KCHD)
Cases are rising across the United States and many people have experienced the uptick over the past few weeks. They’ve either tested positive themselves or know someone else who has.
Health officials consider COVID-19 here to stay (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
“COVID-19 is one of those viruses that behaves differently than other respiratory viruses like flu and RSV. COVID-19 infections are driven more by human behavior and immunity than weather patterns or seasons,” said Andrew Jameson, MD, an infectious disease specialist with Trinity Health Medical Group in Grand Rapids. “We’re going to have to learn to live with it.”
According to Dr. Jameson, a reason why COVID-19 cases are starting to rise: the virus has evolved to be a very good spreader, allowing it to infect people even if they have several layers of protection from past infection, vaccine, or booster. People become susceptible to an infection again not all that long after their most recent infection or booster shot.
“Despite immunity to new infection waning, most of the recent cases that result in hospitalization are in people who did not get the most up to date vaccine” said Dr. Jameson. “We do find, however, that protection with the vaccine against severe illness does hold up over time for most people.”
Are there new COVID-19 variants this year?
Since the original Omicron variants emerged back in 2021, the virus has continued to evolve and mutate – this is what viruses do.
Currently, the CDC is monitoring a trio of variants — called KP.3, KP.2, and LB.1 — that are on the upswing.
What are the symptoms now, and have they changed?
Many COVID-19 symptoms have stayed the same since 2020: fever, sore throat, coughing.
Many COVID symptoms have remained the same since its inception – however, there are some variants (Courtesy photo)
Other symptoms have shifted: it used to be common for people to lose their sense of taste and smell when they got sick, but that now seems to happen less frequently.
If you’ve been infected before, it’s important to understand that symptoms can vary from one infection to the next. It may actually feel like an entirely different illness. Or, you may experience the same symptoms, but in a different order.
COVID-19 symptoms include:
Fever or chills
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Sore throat
Congestion or runny nose
New loss of taste or smell
Fatigue
Muscle or body aches
Headache
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
“No two COVID infections behave exactly the same,” said Dr. Jameson. “In general, the more immunity a person builds up – from infections or vaccinations – the symptoms of another infection tend to be milder. But there’s no guarantee.”
How long do test kits last?
If you’re not feeling well and have trouble finding new at-home tests to purchase at your local pharmacy, you may wonder if you can use older test kits you may have.
The FDA says that tests should not be used beyond their expiration date.
“Medical” pieces of a COVID-19 home test kit (Chicago.gov)
I may have COVID. What should I do?
The CDC recommends treating COVID-19 just like other respiratory viruses such as flu and RSV:
Stay home and away from others (including people you live with who are not sick) if you have symptoms that aren’t better explained by another cause.
CDC guidelines say people should isolate for five days from their first symptoms, after which they can be around other people if they’ve been fever-free for 24 hours and wear masks inside.
Treatment may help lower your risk of severe illness.
For people whose immunity is impaired by disease or transplantation, there is a new treatment available: a monoclonal antibody called pemivibart (sold as Pemgarda) provides a similar level of protection as vaccines do for everyone else. However, it is expensive and given by infusion.
When should I get a COVID-19 booster shot?
The COVID-19 vaccination can help protect against the virus (U.S. Government)
Vaccines and boosters continue to be the go-to protections against severe illness from the virus.
“For those who are at high risk for severe illness – the very elderly, the elderly with comorbidities, and those who are immunocompromised – go ahead and get a booster vaccine now. The vaccines are still active against some of the circulating variants,” Jameson said.
“By the time the new vaccine comes out in a few months or so, you’ll be eligible to get another shot toward the late fall.
“For those whose risks are a bit lower, you can wait until the fall boosters come out.”
If you have any questions about COVID-19 as it relates to your health, or when it’s best for you to get a booster vaccine, talk to your doctor.
Youth homelessness is rising, and AYA Youth Collective is rising to the challenge by providing support for at-risk youth in the Grand Rapids area.
The local non-profit organization has been building their resources to help youth ages 14-24. Working with youth and community partners to break cycles of homelessness, AYA centers their mission around the voices of local youth.
(Courtesy, AYA)
AYA stands for As You Are, and is a commitment that every youth will find resources and authentic relationships. The organization believes that building relationships, identifying valuable resources, and finding safety come from being accepted and celebrated as you are.
Rising to the challenge
In 2012, AYA founders Jonathan and Lauren VanKeulen met two young men experiencing homelessness and asked how they could help. The answer?
Housing.
At the time, there were only two apartments (four beds) devoted to ages 18-24 in the Grand Rapids area.
“We have over 200 youth sleeping outside every month in Grand Rapids, or in emergency shelters,” said Andy Allen, Vice President of Advancement at AYA Youth Collective.
(Courtesy, AYA)
The VanKeulens quit their jobs and bought a duplex from the Kent County Land Bank – now the State Land Bank Authority – for $10,000. The VanKeulens lived on one side of the duplex while the young men lived on the other.
The couple asked the men how they could help them achieve stability. The answer was immediate: a mentor, affordable rent, and housing that is not time-limited.
With that feedback, the VanKeulen’s formed 3:11 Youth Housing available to ages 18-24.
The housing program rent is set at $300 a month. Twelve mentors live with the youth in those homes. Weekly house dinners and one-on-one talks to create life goals and assist with financial literacy, therapy, etc. are required.
“93% of our youth exit our housing program into stability because of that diligent relationship-focused, agency-compelling work that says, You’re the author of your story – where do you want to go next? Let’s figure out how to get there.”
In 2014, Mars Hill Church created Grand Rapids HQ, a drop-in center where youth can get away from the noise of life.
AYA drop-in center (Courtesy, AYA)
AYA drop-in center (Courtesy, AYA)
AYA drop-in center(Courtesy, AYA)
AYA drop-in center (Courtesy, AYA)
AYA drop-in center (Courtesy, AYA)
AYA drop-in center (Courtesy, AYA)
“Every place they went to would be designed for adults or little children,” said Allen. “It’s vitally important to create this space where youth can go.”
3:11 and HQ merged in January 2020. Since then, the organization has grown to 12 homes and 35+ community partners that help with financial literacy, counseling, therapy, drivers training, medical, psychological and mental health care, access to education and employment services – and more.
The drop-in center welcomes ages 14-24, and offers free services such as food, laundry, showers, hygiene products and clothes. AYA recently expanded drop-in center hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays for ages 14-18.
Equal parts head and heart
The drop-in center and mentor housing is a unique model for helping at-risk youth.
“In terms of long-term, low-barrier housing for youth ages 18-24, there’s not really another place in Grand Rapids like it,” Allen said.
Though Allen would like to have more beds available for youth, he also knows the importance of sustainable growth.
“The people who work here are industry experts and understand what it takes to get a young person from instability to stability,” said Allen. “AYA is a special place that does good work that is equal parts head and heart. That’s really important.”
(Courtesy, AYA)
Finding paths to stability
AYA is on track to see 700 youth this year. Approximately 2000 youth in Grand Rapids are experiencing a level of instability.
Aging out of foster care, being born into poverty, inflation and being kicked out due to identifying as LGBTQ+ are only some of the reasons there are so many at-risk youth.
“80% of our youth are people of color, 40% identify as LGBTQ+. We talk about that openly, and that belonging is vital, and also that systemic injustice and discrimination are still present.”
AYA strives to ensure that youth immediately know they belong when they walk into the drop-in center.
“That’s the work – to figure out how we can support every single young person that walks in the door and make sure they get resources, accountability, grace, and circles of support in their lives,” said Allen.
Ultimately, the youth need to choose those resources and relationships. AYA is there to remind them that they are the author of their story – and what they want is possible.
And Grand Rapids needs them, Allen says.
“Grand Rapids needs their voice, their intellect, their contributions. Reminding them of that is vitally important.”
Patience and consistency
(Courtesy, AYA)
Allen said AYA is slow, diligent work. Relationships and trust are formed by asking about the needs of each individual – and listening to the answer.
“We want to be relationship-focused, but also innovative, thoughtful and equitable in how we support people. It’s going to be different for every young person,” said Allen.
“Not every day is going to be a good day, and not every day is going to be a win, but consistency and accountability are vital to this work. Most of our youth have been abandoned in some way. To know the people at AYA aren’t going to evict them or abandon them is a really good first step.”
“It’s really hard…and it’s beautiful…and it’s a lot”
While AYA cannot eliminate youth homelessness, Allen said, “We can end youth homelessness for an individual that walks through our door, slowly but surely. And that’s going to make a big impact on the city, and more importantly, on those individuals and their families’ lives.
“We need Grand Rapids to know that we exist. We need Grand Rapids to know that youth homelessness is an issue.”
Gain a better understanding of AYA’s mission and book a tour of the facilities by clicking here.
For more ways to get involved in helping AYA’s mission, click here.
WKTV Managing Editor Deborah Reed talks with AYA Youth Collective CEO Lauren VanKeulen about the rising number of youth at risk of homelessness – and how AYA provides support through relationships and resources.
The July 20 fundraiser is organized by lung cancer survivor Savannah DeGraaf and will benefit the American Lung Association (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
The event will feature a free 60-minute yoga flow on the Blue Bridge, beginning at 10:30 a.m. Yoga will be led by Malina Adler from Inner Alchemy and all levels are welcome.
Other activities include breath work, shopping local vendors, raffle prizes, music, refreshments and more. There is still time for community sponsors and vendors to get involved as well.
An unexpected tragedy
The event is organized by local lung cancer survivor Savannah DeGraaf, who was diagnosed with lung cancer at age 22.
“Anyone with lungs can suffer from lung cancer or lung disease, and I think the Lung Association does a great job with providing resources,” said DeGraaf. “After graduating college, a doctor found I had a tumor on my left lung that had likely been there for quite some time. Initially, the plan was to remove the lower left lobe, but due to the cancer cells in my lymph nodes, the tumor’s size and location, they removed the entire lung.
“It’s been a journey, and I’m grateful for my health and activity, which aided my recovery.”
A sense of community
Regarding her life post-diagnosis, DeGraaf is grateful she had the Lung Association’s resources to help her through her journey by providing her with a sense of community throughout the process.
“Getting involved with the events and the community made me feel less alone,” DeGraaf said. “That’s why this fundraising event is all to support the Lung Association and their mission to save lives and help people live a more healthy lifestyle.
“At the event, we’ll have lots of local vendors that support that healthy lifestyle, along with a yoga flow.”
Learn more!
To learn more about the event or to make a donation, click here.
