John Battle Wilson HEARING AIDS

My name is John Battle Wilson, I am a Junior and starting Rugby prop for Saint Mary’s College of California, D1A National Champions 2024. I also played in Kenya as a USA U20 Rugby Eagle in 2023. In high school I won three Rugby state championships as an East Angel (Denver East High School).

I was born with bilateral severe hearing loss making me deaf. I wear hearing aids under my scrum cap so I can hear calls on the field.

When I was born my family was told to focus on sign language as my hearing was so impaired. We were told if I became verbal it would be similar to winning a gold medal in the Olympics.

I’m proud to say I love having a voice on the rugby pitch. Without my hearing aids playing the sport I love and excelling at my academics would be extremely difficult. My hearing aids are a vital part in my success as a player and as a student.

Our insurance does not cover hearing aids, nor the Earmolds or the chargers that go with the equipment. As you can imagine playing a sport and constant training is hard on my hearing aids and they are often “in the shop.”

I’m hoping people will help me get a fresh new pair. As my loss is so significant I require the most powerful top end pair of equipment. This also requires a specialized Audiologist. The hearing aids are 7,000, Earmolds are 200, and then there is the fitting fee, the charger and the GoFundMe fee.

Any amount you can give is greatly appreciated in helping me succeed!