My name is Flavia, and I’m a proud mother of an incredible 15-year-old girl named Laura.

Laura was born extremely premature and diagnosed with moderate/severe sensorineural hearing loss as a baby. She received her first pink hearing aids while still an infant, and by age 5, when her hearing deteriorated further, she was fitted with cochlear implants. That step changed her life — for the first time, she heard the sound of water, birdsong, and voices clearly. Her world opened up.

Today, Laura is a multilingual, bright, and kind teenager who speaks Portuguese, English, and Spanish fluently, is learning French at school, and continues to explore sign language. Her implants are essential tools that support her learning, social connection, and mental well-being every single day.

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Why We’re Asking for Help

Laura’s cochlear devices were due for an upgrade soon. We had already started the process when we experienced unexpected delays in our provincial health coverage due to changes in our immigration situation.

Before we could complete the replacement process, Laura’s cochlear processors were damaged in an accident at a public pool. One was recovered but may fail at any time. The other was lost. We are currently using an older backup that no longer connects properly to her school assistive technology or personal devices — making daily communication harder and more frustrating.

We have applied for public and charitable support, but those systems take time. We cannot afford to wait months, as the window to maintain her access to sound — and education — is critical.

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Our Goal

We are fundraising $25,000 CAD to cover:

• Replacement cochlear processors

• Accessories and assistive listening tech

• Audiology programming and follow-up care

• Any gap between coverage and actual costs

These funds will go directly toward keeping Laura connected to the world she works so hard to be part of.

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How You Can Help

This campaign was started after all immediate avenues of assistance were explored. While certain forms of support may come later, your help right now will ensure Laura doesn’t lose momentum in school, in friendships, or in her emotional development.

Any amount — even a share — makes a big difference.

Thank you for supporting our family and for helping a determined young woman hear, learn, and thrive.

With deep gratitude,

Flavia & Laura