Hi everyone, and thank you for taking a moment to "hear" my story.

As many of you know, I was born completely deaf in my right ear. For most of my adult life, I was told that the only solution would be a cochlear implant. However, because my left ear has perfect hearing, I wouldn’t qualify for any type of funding. The procedure itself would cost upwards of $100,000, and to even begin that process, I would need to undergo specialized testing at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital in Edmonton.

At a recent hearing test, I learned about another option that could change my daily life far sooner, and is much more realistic. They’re called Phonak Audeo CROS hearing aids. They work by transmitting the sound from my deaf side to my hearing side, allowing me to perceive a full range of sound. The cost of this system is around $5,000.

I was able to try them for the first time during my appointment. When the technician placed them in and walked around to my right side, I heard her clearly — without turning my head, without straining, without guessing. For the first time in my life, I could follow a conversation, without missing anything, when the person wasn't stationary on my "good side". It felt like a whole new world had opened up in that moment!!

These hearing aids would make a tremendous difference in my daily life. They'd allow me to participate more fully in conversations and feel more confident without regularly needing to ask people to repeat themselves. I wouldn't miss out on a child's whispers! I could have conversations while driving! I could hear the hairstylist as she talks and cuts! My loved ones sitting on my right side would no longer feel ignored or left out of conversations! And I wouldn't have to worry about missing out on important details during work meetings! These may seem like small things to most, but together they would change my life in a way I never thought possible.

This fundraiser would allow me to make that life-changing experience an everyday reality.

If you feel able to contribute, share this page, or offer a few kind words of support, I would be truly grateful. Thank you for helping me take this step toward hearing the world in a way I never have before.