Update as of 4/11/25 - Tunuuk has undergone surgery! Please read in the Updates section.

Update as of 10/10/25 - please read in the Updates section.

Update as of 3:00am in Melbourne, Monday 8 September / 11:00pm in Bishkek, Sunday 7 September:

Dear Supporters of Tunuuk,

We’ve been working tirelessly behind the scenes. Although we haven’t yet reached the full fundraising target by the original deadline (unless a miracle unfolds in the next 24 hours), hope is very much alive for Tunuuk.

Her parents have been in active discussions with the organization responsible for procuring cochlear implants for Kyrgyzstan. Thanks to your generosity, nearly 50% of the required amount has been raised and will be paid immediately. This allows the implant to be ordered, with expected arrival in late October— the time when the remaining balance must be settled. Qatari surgeons are scheduled to arrive in early November.

It’s an enormous relief to know that we can continue moving forward. We will not let Tunuuk down. Please keep sharing this campaign within your networks. Your support and kindness mean the world to us, and I am deeply grateful for every contribution.

****************************************

Tunuuk is a sweet 19-month-old toddler girl from Bishkek. She is the niece of my very close friend Anara here in Melbourne. Tunuuk is deaf, but she has a chance to hear, through a Cochlear implant.

Surgeons from Qatar visit Kyrgyzstan annually to perform free surgeries for children like Tunuuk. Part of the implant is placed inside the skull bone.

But parents must buy the implant themselves.

It costs 1,280,00 Kyrgyz Som (approx AU$23,000 / US$15,000 / GBP11,000)

And must be paid for by September 10

Her family cannot afford it, so I am trying to help them. As a mother of a two-year-old toddler, I could not be a by-stander knowning Tunuuk has a real chance.

Through my Facebook post and through the help of "Kairymduu Bol" charity organisation in Kyrgyzstan, so far we have gathered just over AU$6,000. We need AU$17,000.

My dear friends,

friends of friends,

kind souls who I do not know,

Please support me in bringing sound to Tunuuk's world. Any amount, even a dollar can make a difference. Every donation is a step towards a miracle.

Please also share this page and help us reach more people. Let's help Tunuuk hear her mother's voice and the sounds of life . Thank you! ❤️

******

PS: Those in Australia can donate to my PayID 0411848522 to avoid fees.

******

PPS: Implant needs to be paid for by 10 September. It will then be ordered and will arrive within a month. Qatari surgeons are coming to Kyrgyzstan in early November.