Delainey’s pursuit of independence: A Hearing alert dog!

Delainey has been presented with an amazing opportunity to be placed with an in-home hearing alert dog, and we need your help to make this a reality!

Those who know Delainey already know that she is a rockstar. Her journey has not been an easy one, but she has vivaciously fought and prevailed.

Her days are not without challenge, but she has intently studied to learn skills and processes to function in the world around her.

Her entire life has been filled with one puzzle piece found, only to come to the realization that another piece of the puzzle has slipped away.

Each new challenge has brought fear, anxiety, adaptations, and this kid absolutely crushing everything that comes her way.

Her most recent challenge has been the rapidly progressive loss of her hearing.

Two years ago, this month, she was diagnosed with a very mild hearing loss. Within a few months, she had lost the majority of her hearing, and we were faced with challenges we never imagined we’d be having.

She has been utilizing hearing aids since her diagnosis and this past summer she had her first cochlear implant placed.

Although this first cochlear has been life-changing, this process results in the loss of any remaining hearing immediately upon placement. To complicate this.... the miniscule hearing in her opposite, aided ear, has continued to decline, and she is coming to terms with the fact that the second cochlear is needed sooner rather than later.

We have tried to approach each obstacle she has faced with positivity and have been so incredibly grateful. We’ve been blessed to have the ability to seek (and receive) answers. Even more so, we have been humbled by the unwavering support of family, friends, and professionals to get us through each situation.

This is where the support of an in-home hearing alert dog comes in. This is unlike anything we have faced before and comes with a whole new set of emotions. Excitement. Anticipation. Joy. Hope.

We have discussed the benefits a service dog could bring to her life multiple times over the years, however her hearing loss has expedited the need and made it a necessity.

This dog, Jet, Differs slightly from a “traditional” service dog. He is considered an in-home Service dog, allowing him to provide only the direct services that Delainey needs while allowing her as much “normalcy” as possible. Jet’s main job would be hearing assistance with alarms, alerts, sirens, etc. within the comfort of her home.

Day-to-day, with the support of her hearing devices, Delainey functions very well. At night, however, she must remove her devices, leaving any hearing support behind. Traditional alarms and devices for those with hearing impairment are not strong or loud enough to wake her. She cannot hear fire alarms, tornado sirens, knocking on doors, etc. As a family, we have adapted to this by waking her and making sure that we alert her to any sound she needs to be aware of. Jet would “replace” us and alert her to any sound necessary for her safety and success.

The reason for the immediate need is that Delainey has applied to, and been accepted at, a number of colleges. Next fall, Delainey will move into the dorms and begin studying criminology. This is an exciting and terrifying time for us, as her parents.

She strives, like any kid her age, for independence which has left us scrambling a bit to figure out a way for her to succeed. We have “tried” to convince her to live with us forever but have to remind ourselves that every challenge that she has faced and met has brought us to today.

She has earned this opportunity. She deserves a shot at “normalcy” and independence. Every bit of hard work and effort she has put forward has been done with the eventual goal that we find ourselves currently facing. Independence. Jet will help make this a reality for her.

Jet’s unique in-home support, although offered at a discounted rate, is pricey.

Some of those amazing friend and family supports I mentioned earlier, suggested that we create a way to accept contributions to this effort. Again, I am left humbled and so incredibly grateful.

Jet is nearly finished with his necessary training and provided he remains successful, could be at home with Delainey in early 2025. This would allow them to learn and adapt to each other, while in the comfort of our family home. In the event that something unexpected occurs with Jet, the service dog organization would assist with a similarly trained dog for Delainey, although we all remain confident that Jet is the “one”.

We are beyond thankful for this opportunity and even more so, thankful for the mere consideration of contributions by our loved ones.

If you would like to donate directly to the service dog organization or through another way, please let me know and I am happy to provide additional information.

Thank you for your continuing support of Delainey! I have no doubt that she has big things in store for her future!