Break the Silence for Allie

Allie Savelkoul arrived July 8th, 2017, it was an exciting day as she surprised her parents, Kyle and Cassie Savelkoul, by showing up a little earlier than expected. Weighing in at 6lbs 9oz and 18in long, she was just a little peanut; little did they know her small size was due to a virus Cassie contracted while pregnant with her and would change Allie’s life forever. Just one day after Allie was born, she failed her newborn screening test for hearing. They were referred to an Audiologist to run another test; after failing the test the Audiologist performed an Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) test which confirmed Allie was profoundly deaf. Allie was referred to the University of Minnesota to determine what caused her deafness and discussed what treatment options were available for her. They met with a surgeon who ran multiple tests, one in which is for Cytomegalovirus (CMV virus) and confirmed Allie did have Congenital CMV Infection that caused her hearing loss. The Surgeon explained the option of a cochlear implant to give Allie the ability to hear. A cochlear implant is a small, complex electronic device that can help to provide a sense of sound to a person who is profoundly deaf or severely hard-of-hearing. To qualify for a Cochlear implant Allie will need to wear hearing aids which she received in November; the hearing aids will not help her hear due to the extent of her hearing loss. The hearing aids will stimulate her ears in preparation to receive the Cochlear implants. The implants will result in Allie hopefully having 80% plus hearing.In January 2018 Allie will undergo EKG testing, eye testing, and be under anesthesia for an MRI to confirm that the anatomy of her ear is properly developed for the implants. Once this testing is completed, Allie will be scheduled for Cochlear implant surgery in both ears. A month after surgery they will go back to the U of M to turn on the cochlear implant in hopes that Allie can hear them talk for the first time. I am asking for donations to help fund the cochlear implants, as the cost is an estimated $180,000. They are currently working with the U of M to prove to insurance that the implants are medically necessary for Allie to hear. Thank you for your generosity and support for Allie on this journey to “Break the Silence” Tricia on behalf of Kyle, Cassie, Kennedie, Drake, & Allie