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Mackenzie Grace Loughridge Cochlear

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Mackenzie is a beautiful, vibrant and energetic young girl.  Her journey began in May of 2004. She was born early and had multiple setbacks at birth. She had high levels of Jaundice, severe Hypotonia and RH Incompatibility. She spent the first three weeks in the NICU and we were told it didn't look good and she might not make it.

Our faith stayed strong. We prayed so much, it appeared to be all we did. She finally came home after three weeks and it took a while before things got better.
At 6 months, we had Mackenzie in Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy and Occupational Therapy. She didn't even take her first steps until 26 months! Nearly two years, with little to no progress, we moved back home to Georgia. We attempted to get her into a similar program here. She was required to do testing on her vision and hearing. She was almost 3 when we realized she was deaf!!! We beat ourselves up. We should have known. In hindsight, it was so apparent she was deaf.

We got her hearing aids for a year and there was very minimal progress. We were told she had to undergo Cochlear Implant surgery, and that might allow her to hear. She got her first implant when she turned 4 and she became a bi-lateral recipient (both left and right) when she turned 5.  We spent two to three years taking her two to three times a week to AV Therapy. She began making tremendous progress about three months after her second implant. By the age of 9, she was in mainstream classes and excelling in math. She still has speech therapy once a week, but her reading and writing skills improve steadily.

We were approved for an upgrade to the new Nucleus 6 processor from Cochlear. We have good insurance and they are going to cover a portion of the fees. We have been battling Cochlear, Sunmed and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield for almost three months now to get this upgrade done. After insurance and deductibles are met, our patient responsibility is 9,987.64. I have attempted to get loans to no avail. I got approved for GE Care Credit, but only for a small amount. We do not typically ever want to ask for help. Mackenzie truly needs this upgrade. Her current devices are not functioning at 100%. The coil wires are loose, causing her to have to "wiggle" the wires to be able to hear. We want the best for Mackenzie and getting this upgrade would greatly improve her quality of life. It would allow her to continue her progress in school and have a chance at a full life.

Thank you for taking time to read. Our family is strong in our faith and we know God will provide. All prayers are welcome and greatly appreciated! Thank you for taking your time to read a little about her journey and for your prayers. May God bless you and your family!!
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Donations 

  • BRITTANY SMITH
    • $45 
    • 9 yrs
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Organizer

Davian Loughridge
Organizer
Warner Robins, GA

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