Thank you for visiting Izaiah’s GoFundMe event!! Our family transitioned to the Bennet-Palmyra school district a couple of years ago. During this time, we met Izaiah Freeman, currently an 8th grader and classmate of our son, Noah. We shared an instant connection with Izaiah since he has hearing loss and utilizes cochlear implant technology. Both of our daughters were born deaf and use this technology as well. However, Izaiah’s story isn’t one that just includes being born deaf but also a difficult diagnosis at age 6 of Usher Syndrome. This is a rare genetic disorder where deafness is accompanied by a progressive loss of vision. As a young child, Izaiah had delays in hearing, speech, walking, learning, and reading but is now mainstream at school and works with special teachers and a team to continue to move forward. Izaiah’s care also includes visits to Omaha and Children’s Hospital in Iowa City.  

Izaiah’s mom, Heather, shared that when they found out about his vision diagnosis, she wanted to start planning trips for him so that he could see as much as possible before things go black. Thankfully, he has been able to enjoy some memorable trips with his family and grandparents. Izaiah loves finding stars at night when the skies are clear and watching the sunset. He just thinks they are so beautiful, and who could blame him!! Despite sight and balance challenges, Izaiah loves to play sports, ride his bike and skateboard. He also enjoys video games and building big Lego sets. His favorite musicians are the Newsboys and LeCrae. Izaiah has had a lot of dreams. He wanted to be a policeman when he was younger, then a contractor building homes, and now he's not sure but thinks the NBA would be pretty cool. Heather says Izaiah has always been her hero and even with all he has going on, he watches over her to make sure she and his siblings are safe. He is the proudest brother! 

Izaiah uses a white walking cane in low light and a flashlight when needed. Building confidence with his walking cane is hard as not many people have them, and it's a big attention grabber. He absolutely loves dogs and his mom is hoping that he will eventually have a service dog that will help with his hearing and vision as well as his confidence. 

Considering all of this, our family recognizes that Izaiah has had and will continue to have ongoing medical and technology needs as well as travel costs to access them. Meeting these needs has only become more difficult because of the current pandemic. Our family is excited, as members of a local chapter of Modern Woodmen of America, that we can partner this GoFundMe event with a Modern Woodmen of America matching fund project to help provide for some of these needs. MWA will match the funds donated up to $1500. If you are able, please join us in supporting Izaiah and his family and pray that Izaiah will face every step of his journey with courage and strength.