Help Patrick Hear
(In this video below Patrick talks about his first softball game with hearing loss.)
Patrick has struggled his entire life with the challenge of hearing loss. He was diagnosed at age six with congenital (since birth) hearing loss. Over the years he has developed coping strategies: asking for repetition, smiling and pretending to agree, becoming aloof at times, or avoiding situations that are frustrating. He misses out on artist’s talks, critical feedback about his work, gallery openings and the shear pleasure of having a conversation in a group. Patrick came into the world challenged, and but his determination is strong to overcome his disability. He feels painfully isolated, the deterioration is advancing and it is becoming more and more difficult for Patrick to cope.
The best solution for Patrick is hearing aids, which is not covered by insurance at all. As a self-supporting artist, the cost has had Patrick forego buying them himself all these years. Patrick wants to hear; he wants to participate in conversations, laughter, films, artist’s talks, theater and the things that feed his work as a painter. Hearing aids, will allow Patrick to confidently present and speak about his work, participate in critiques, engage in leadership opportunities at Traffic Zone and continue to grow as an artist. Most importantly, he wants to ensure that he can hear the voices of his family, his friends and the life he knows.
The $6000 from this fundraiser will be used to pay for two in-canal hearing aids, fittings and visits to the audiologist. We would appreciate the funds immediately.
This will also mean so much to me – I will not have to constantly repeat myself at home, but most of all, it will be a whole new life for Patrick. He will be able to engage with his peers at a whole new level.
We would be very grateful for your contribution to this fundraiser to make a difference for Patrick.