Help Keep Action Deaf Youth Available for Everyone.

Hello my name is Aimee, I'm helping to raise funds for Action Deaf Youth, by running in this years 10k road race, Storming The Castle in Carrickfergus.

This is a charity that helps young children and their families.

PLEASE READ BELOW.

"Joanie-Lynn's Story" writen by her mum Lydine.

In the midst of the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown, my twin babies were born at 36 weeks, bringing joy and uncertainty into our lives. Joanie-Lynn, however, required a week in the neonatal unit to receive critical care for her breathing. When we finally took her home, we were told she had failed her newborn hearing test, a common occurrence for premature babies. But it wasn't until the follow-up test in September that our world was turned upside down. The audiologist's words still echo in my mind: "Shall we ask your husband to come in now?" In that moment, I knew something was wrong. Joanie-Lynn was profoundly deaf.

The diagnosis left us reeling, and we were sent home with a child who couldn't hear us, without any guidance on how to cope or access support services. We were forced to rely on Google to learn how to communicate with our daughter, how to play with her, and how to care for her unique needs. It was a daunting task, but we were determined to give Joanie-Lynn the best possible start in life.

That's when we stumbled upon Action Deaf Youth, a charity that would become a lifeline for our family. Their weekly groups provided a safe space for Joanie-Lynn to learn, grow and develop, but more than that, they supported me. I met fellow parents who understood my fears, and the staff, all of whom are deaf, taught me how to sign storybooks, nursery rhymes, and stimulate Joanie-Lynn's senses. They showed me that being deaf doesn't limit one's potential, and that Joanie-Lynn could achieve anything she set her mind to.

Fast-forward to today, and Joanie-Lynn, now 4, has a strong deaf identity and confidence. But our journey is far from over. Action Deaf Youth, the charity that has been our rock, is struggling to stay afloat due to limited funding. The thought of losing this vital support network is terrifying. What if they can't continue to run their weekly groups? How will Joanie-Lynn maintain her connection with her deaf community? How will I cope without the guidance and support of the Action Deaf Youth team?

That's why we are reaching out to ask for your support. Over the coming weeks.

If you're a business owner or have connections with businesses, I urge you to consider supporting Action Deaf Youth, either through a one-time donation directly to ADY, a donation towards my fundraising or by partnering with them as one of your charity partners. Your contribution could make a massive difference in Joanie-Lynn's life and the lives of countless other deaf children and their families.

Together, we can ensure that Action Deaf Youth continues to thrive, providing a beacon of hope and support for families. Please join me on this journey, and let's make a difference in the lives of these incredible children.

No matter how small a donation, every little will go towards a very deserving charity that does help make a difference in every day lives.

Thanks Aimee & Lydine.