It all begins with one.

By reaching out to just one person, Amanda Charney-Berardi was able to make the right connections in order to finally fulfill Marc Small’s bucket list wish to make it to the Super Bowl. With the help of thousands of people, that bucket list item was checked off, ironically, on the 14th anniversary of Marc’s death.

CSD at WCU Keynote Speaker

On Saturday, April 1, 2023, Amanda Charney-Berardi was honored to be the keynote speaker for the Communication Science and Disorders Department of West Chester University’s 100 year anniversary event. Amanda, a graduate of WCU spoke about her journey as an SLP and how it led her to be the founder of Small Steps in Speech.

A Message from Marc’s lifelong friend, Matt

As we approach Memorial Day 2020, our thoughts are especially with SSG Marc J. Small and his selfless service to our country.  We thought this would be a good time to share a personal reflection of the impact of Marc’s service from Matt Delany, one of Marc’s life-long friends. Matt talks about how Marc has shaped his life in this poignant video .  Matt has  been the most consistent donor to Small Steps in Speech and the On Your Marc 5K. Mary MacFarland, SSIS President and Marc’s mother, asked Matt if he knows children who have struggled with communication, some memories of Marc and how Marc’s life and death have shaped his life. “Mostly indirectly, friends of friends; I have yet to meet one personally.  I have followed some of the stories on the SSIS website and in the Facebook feeds.  Warms the heart and keeps me going on the journey that I started.”  On a lighter note, Matt also shared that his fondest memory of Marc was assisting him in the desire to shave his head.  Such a Marc move!  Matt, thank you for taking the time to so thoughtfully share your memories of Marc.  Please join Matt in supporting Small Steps in Speech with a donation today in memory of SSG Marc J. Small. (Donate Now)

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