Christen Cochlear Implant Upgrade

As many of you know, my youngest daughter Christen is profoundly deaf.  She was 17 months old when she had cochlear implant surgery and said her first words "Hot" and "Out" by 20 months old.  As a child who never babbled and said "ma ma ma" or "da da da", it was music to our ears. 

Technology over the years has progressed so much from having a body worn processor which did allow her to learn speech and language to one (her latest ear level) which allowed her to appreciate music.   She went from saying "Mom turn the radio off--it's noisy" in the car to "Turn that up--I love this song!"  She sings now while doing homework and plays the drums in the local group Renegades of Rhythm.  She's been mainstreamed in a regular classroom since Pre-K and an A student.

I'm extremely proud of this young lady and due to insurance issues this year, we're forced to buy her a refurbished ear level processor replacement.  It carries a 6 month warranty.  My goal is to upgrade it to the lastest and greatest Naida processor from Advanced Bionics in January.

I appreciate so much all of the outpouring prayers, well wishes and offers of help.  I'm extremely grateful.  As our family is dealing with an illness affecting the matriarch of the family, we are forever indebted to each and every one of you.  

Kindest regards,

Linda