What we can learn from AnnMaria DeMars (aka: Ronda’s mom)

What we can learn from AnnMaria DeMars (aka: Ronda’s mom)

Original post first appeared 10/1/15 In all the hype and excitement our community gained from learning Ronda Rousey had CAS, one very important piece was left out.  This piece, was her mother. Ronda is a living, breathing, symbol of hope for our community.  She speaks beautifully in interviews without any hint (except maybe to a trained ear) of apraxia at all.  She has been in movies and on talk shows

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When the dust settles

When the dust settles

This originally appeared 9/28/15 This last summer has been a whirlwind for me.  Starting with meeting Ronda Rousey the end of May, my story going viral two months later, and then ending up on GMA, a national platform in which to spread apraxia awareness.  Though there were many surprises, the biggest and most amazing of all was a personalized video to me and Ashlynn from Ronda herself.  You can watch

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A letter from Ashlynn?  To my future self….

A letter from Ashlynn? To my future self….

Original post date appeared 9/7/15 Starting this blog, I had intended to spread awareness in my small part of the world and hopefully help some others along the way.  Life is funny though, because unexpectedly, the comments from others in response to my blog ended up giving hope back to me.   Today was one of those days.  Started out normal.  Hectic morning, trying to pack two backpacks, a diaper

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My “why” is bigger than any knockdown punch

My “why” is bigger than any knockdown punch

So tomorrow is the culmination of my experience and chance meeting with Ronda Rousey.  I honestly cannot believe my one encounter and subsequent blog post went viral and has now landed us on the national stage that is Good Morning America. When Ashlynn was dx, I remember being grief stricken that although I had tried to work with her for a year, she still remained largely silent.  I remember thinking

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She has never asked for anything before…how could we say no?

She has never asked for anything before…how could we say no?

Original appeared on 10/12/15 Oh apraxia.  Oh global apraxia.  I have said before if someone wanted to do a checklist on paper I could make a strong case for my daughter having autism.  She doesn’t of course, but one item evaluators love is “restricted interests” or “perseverative behaviors.”  If your child is demonstrating one of these then someone somewhere will start to suspect autism.  Luckily for my daughter, she has

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From no fan….to super fan….in two months.

There have been critics to my Ronda story, most voicing their displeasure on how she is not a good role model for kids.  She swears, has done nude photo shoots, fights people for a living, or whatever. My intention for Ashlynn is not to look at anyone’s faults or judge their decisions.  My intention for Ashlynn and all the other kids out there was to see that someone not only

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