The wonderful activities posted here are a testament to so many dedicated folks raising their hands for better hearing.

I haven't sponsored an event, but I do hope that I made a difference in two people's lives. Time will tell.

A new member of my Sunday School class overheard me mentioning my cochlear implant. Three weeks ago she approached me to tell her more about it - she is deaf in one ear and has a significant loss in the other. I had no idea she had a hearing loss - she disguises it quite well (don't we all!) She was thrilled to find someone who could relate to her - a young Mom with two beautiful active little girls and a husband in college. She said our short visit gave her the courage to seek out more answers to her worsening condition. 

Fortunately Paula Moore has supplied me with Cochlear brochures and a CD of testimonials. I gave my friend these materials and she all but 'skipped' the Sunday School lesson because she had her nose buried in these materials. By the look on her face she was very excited to learn more. We'll get together soon and I'll fill her in on all the details and see if she can get an appointment with my surgeon.

A few months ago my Mom mentioned her hairdresser wore hearing aids. I had the opportunity to take Mom to get her hair done and visit with her hairdresser. You could tell she was a bit shy for me to be discussing this in the small salon, but still asked good questions. Much to my surprise another stylist was practically falling all over herself eves dropping on our conversation. It seems she has a good friend who desparately needs a cochlear implant. 

I mailed these gals a flyer about an upcoming Cochlear event but I don't believe either of them attended. SO - since it's Awareness Month, I sat down yesterday and mailed my Mom's hairdresser a personal letter, included some more of Paula's awesome materials, and gave her my doctor's name and number and my email address.

It may take a very long time before any of these women receive a cochlear implant. But if I helped them find the courage to even check it out it will be a blessing.

So take a moment and write or email or call that 'person' you know, or bumped into, or someone told you about. It doesn't have to be in the month of May - you can make a difference!

Ellen Beer