I am participating in the Eversource Walk for Boston Children’s Hospital on June 9. I will walk to raise funds for The Caroline Bass Fund.

My Story:

At the age of 14-months old I contracted a rare strain of pneumococcal bacterial meningitis. As a result of this illness, I became deaf and also lost all of my vestibular function. I received cochlear implants at the age of 16-months old. I participated in years of physical therapy to regain my balance and ability to walk, jump, and play again. I continue to receive speech and occupational therapy as well as expanding my knowledge and use of American Sign Language. I am proud of my Deaf identity and thoroughly enjoy meeting other kids like me who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. This is why I walk to support the Caroline Bass Fund.

The Caroline Bass Fund has provided support for thousands of families with deaf and hard of hearing youth within the Department of Otolaryngology and Communication Enhancement (ORL/CCE) since the foundation’s inception in 2001. The department is dedicated to making sure their unique programs and resources are equitable and accessible for all families within and beyond the clinical scope. Your gift will continue to:

• give children an opportunity to meet other peers like them with hearing loss;
• help families have access to loaner hearing aids for their child;
• provide families with an opportunity to attend relevant conferences at a reduced fee;
• provide families with spare parts for their child’s cochlear implant;
• expand the outreach program so we can reach more families;
• provide transition workshops;
• provide support and resources for non-English speaking families;
• and more!

Thank you so much for any donation you may be able to give to help children like me have opportunities to meet and create friendships within the D/HH community.