Help Heidi fulfill Her Dream of Hearing!!
As a toddler, I became sick with meningitis and, unbeknownst to anyone, I began losing my hearing. My hearing loss went undiagnosed until I got to Kindergarten when my teacher noticed I was not following simple commands. My parents took me to a specialist where I received a diagnosis of Sensorineural Hearing Loss, which is a degenerative condition which slowly and eventually results in a complete loss of hearing. My lack of clarity in hearing affects my relationships, ability to work, limits communication, and hinders daily life in significant and numerous ways.
I am “legally deaf.”
With the assistance of hearing aids and the ability to read lips since childhood, I have been able to live a productive life, though limited in career paths. I am no longer able to use my nursing degree or cosmetology certificate to earn a living doing what I love. Recently, however, due to the degenerative nature of this condition, my hearing has diminished to the point that even the most advanced hearing aids are unable to provide the clarity of sound that I need to function and it won’t be long until I am living in complete silence. Currently, I’m able to hear less than 5% with hearing aides. I have reached the point where cochlear implants are the only hope to restore my hearing to a functional level. A cochlear implant is a prosthetic device that is surgically implanted to provide “electronic hearing” to those with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss. The surgery itself will take about 7 hours.
Recently, I have been given the amazing opportunity to get my hearing restored! I have recently been approved for a double cochlear implant surgery which is currently scheduled for July 30, 2021. Although insurance covers the majority of the cost, it does not cover the cost of a high deductible and 20% of the cost of the surgery, follow up visits, and speech and rehabilitative therapies.
I have waited so long for this opportunity and it will be such a gift to improve my quality of life, ability to work, and improve communication with others. After the surgery, I will be completely deaf for one month while I heal. I am so looking forward to the moment when the implants are activated to begin the long process to, once again, hear sounds I haven’t heard since I was a toddler! By donating to this fundraiser, you will be giving me the amazing gift of restored hearing!
The cost of this surgery would be expensive for anyone, but after being furloughed from my job during COVID, the available funds for this kind of surgery are extremely limited. The funds being raised will go directly to help cover the out-of-pocket costs of the surgery and after-care. Thank you for considering a financial contribution to provide the gift of restored hearing. If you are unable to contribute at this time, please keep me and my family in your thoughts and prayers. It would be greatly appreciated.
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