PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Michelle Tjelmeland, Founder
Cochlear Implant Awareness Foundation
3109 Beaver Creek Lane
Springfield, IL 62712
800-795-0824
info@ciafonline.org
"Live Love Hear" Participants Raise Awareness of Cochlear Implants
November 11, 2008, Springfield, IL - It was a beautiful, sunny day for a walk on October 5, 2008 in Reading, Pennsylvania, and Karen Feeser enjoyed every minute of hers surrounded by 118 others. Feeser organized the "Live, Love, Hear 5k Walk/Run for Cochlear Implant Awareness" at Trooper Thorn's on Morgantown Road to raise awareness of the remarkable technology that gave her 5-year-old daughter, Michela, her chance to hear.
A cochlear implant is a complex electronic device that can compensate for non-functioning parts of the inner ear. The implant procedure involves surgery to insert the device under the skin behind the ear. Electrodes are attached, providing a direct pathway to the cochlea within the inner ear. When the implant detects sound, impulses are sent through the auditory nerve to the brain, creating an effect similar to hearing.
Feeser organized the walk/run because she knew her family's experience with cochlear implants could help others who live with the challenges of deafness. "I felt that my own personal story, as well as others, could help make others aware of this amazing technology and what it has done for so many families," Feeser said.
Michela was born in June 2003 with significant hearing loss in both ears. She had severe inner ear malformations but tests indicated she was a candidate for an implant. She received hers in August of 2004 at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
Walkers and runners received t-shirts, food, and prizes, thanks to donations from local businesses and volunteers. The quickest participants received trophies and medals.
Corporate sponsors included County Line 4X4 RoughRiders, Kelchner's Horseradish, Feeser Finish Carpentry, Here's Cooking at You, Hermany Contracting, Geist Sporting Goods, R.A.H. Auto Sales, Mertztown Rod and Gun Club.
The proceeds of the walk/run, $1,100, went to the Cochlear Implant Awareness Foundation (CIAF), headquartered in Springfield, Illinois.. Feeser is still raising money for CIAF through her Web site, http://www.live-love-hear.org.
"I was so excited to hear of Karen's 5k walk/run to raise awareness of cochlear implants," said Michelle Tjelmeland, founder and board chairman of CIAF. "Michela is an incredibly strong little girl, and her story offers encouragement for a lot of families who are considering this technology."
Despite their daughter's ability to hear now, the Feesers had many challenges to overcome after Michela received her implant. She has battled bacterial meningitis, overcome a minor stroke on her second birthday, endured another procedure to have one implant replaced when it stopped working, and fought off another case of meningitis.
"I want people who might question the decision for choosing this option for themselves or their children, that, had I been asked to make this decision all over again, there would not be a second of hesitation," Karen said.
Michela is a now an active Kindergartener who is making great strides in speech and conversation skills and shows no signs of her previous illnesses.
"For a person to be only 5.5 and have gone through so much, she is my hero, my inspiration to know that even the hardest of times can be conquered," Feeser said. "Our daughter has lived a tough, yet amazing life so far, and I am looking forward to the next 70 years with her in our lives and watching more miracles happen. Michela is my strength, my rock. She helps me realize that even the most extreme challenges can be overcome."
About CIAF - The Cochlear Implant Awareness Foundation (CIAF) is a non-profit organization headquartered in Springfield, Illinois. CIAF's mission is to provide information, resources, and support to prospective cochlear implant recipients and their families.
Founder, Michelle Tjelmeland, knows first-hand the challenges faced by families who have been impacted by hearing loss. Both Michelle and her daughter, Ellie, are bi-lateral cochlear implant recipients. Through the establishment of CIAF, families facing decisions regarding implantation are provided with much needed information and support. For more information, please call 1-800-795-0824 or visit www.ciafonline.org.
