Hey guys, this is Summer, Hayden's mom of course. We are really excited about Hayden's weebly page. A special thanks to S. Brewer for her help!
A quick update for everyone, Both of our benefits were a success. A special thanks to the individuals and businesses, from the community, who donated. And let's not forget the family that donated the awesome vacation. I sure know the winners, The Lambert family was super excited.
As I am sure most of you know, Hayden and Cole traveled to Florida to get a prosthetic ear in December. Our goal was to get him more comfortable with having two ears. That has not been as easy as I thought it would be. He is afraid people will laugh at him or it will fall off. Needless to say, he said that he would wear it anywhere but school.
The Center for Custom Prosthetics in Naples Florida treated Hayden like a king. He enjoyed the experience of having a "Face Off" ear made and was even given a camouflage ear for a souvenir. A special thanks to David Trainer. Dr. Trainer has an amazing gift!!!!
Now for an update on fundraising... We have raised a total of 6200 in three months. I have been told by other families in the same boat, this is pretty outstanding. We are working really hard to get this page viewed by as many people as possible. I have also reached out to some hearing healthcare related organizations. I hope for the best but realize the lack of a non-profit status makes it much harder to get people to take you seriously. It's sad that you have a few people take advantage of fundraisers like this and give all of them a stigma.
On that note, if anyone has any questions for Cole, Hayden, or myself we do have a contact button. We will immediately get a notification of the message. We want to be as transparent as possible. We owe that to all of our wonderful donors!!!
We are a GO for June 11,2014. Prior to surgery, we will be required to pay a 7500 pre-surgical fee. That protects the doctor, with all of the potential insurance issues with a mostly cosmetic procedure then we will have to book flights, find a rental and a roof over our heads for two weeks. Did I mention all of this will take place in an area outside LA where everything is expensive.. Wow! I have said a lot. It's almost time for his annual hearing test, It brings back all of those fears that we experienced shortly after his birth with the M/A diagnosis. Which honestly, I must say I made myself when the attending had no idea what to call Hayden's little ear. Having your office manager bring OAE and tymp machines to the bedside is a mix for disaster.
I guess it was at that point, Cole made me put all of the pediatric audiology books in the basement and told me to be Hayden's mom not his audiologist. There is so much I can say about our experience as a a member of the M/A family, but honestly when I look back, I would not have it any other way. I am just so glad I get to call Hayden mine!!!! In addition, I want to give a big hug to our extended M/A family which consists of a few wonderful support groups.
Once again, we are so thankful for all of our followers and supporters. It really just affirms that we are blessed. Lastly, I look forward to the" big ear experience." People take their ears and hearing so for granted. I know Hayden will appreciate his new look. I just pray he is as proud of two ears as one of my patients is when they hear for the first time in years.
Warmest Regards ,
Summer