ChEARs for Emme by Jordyn

ChEARs for Emme by Jordyn - February 2020 Scholarship Essay

The ability to hear is an amazing gift that not everyone is given. For some, that ability is diminished or non-existent from a very early age-an age when forming relationships & education are just beginning.

After witnessing first hand the challenge of childhood hearing loss, my non-profit would benefit children with mild to profound deafness. Medical devices like hearing aids, cochlear implants, and audio-visual tools can be a financial burden on families, causing some young children to not get the help they need. My non-profit organization would help these families receive financial assistance, whether that be for medical devices, interpretive tutors, or chances to meet a hearing specialist.

My non-profit is inspired by my cousin, Emme. She was born with hearing loss that has worsened as she grew. She needed special hearing aids with FM radios for school but her family could not afford them. I was confused; how was this fair? I decided I wanted to help by selling Christmas cards to my friends, families and neighbors in hopes to help pay for these hearing aids. I am one person; I can only do so much. I want to be able to help lots of children, like my cousin, have access to the assistance they need, regardless of financial status. Having my own non-profit helps me achieve this goal.