It can be easy to take our school personnel and our senses for granted. Those are two entities you probably think of in a different context. In this case, they worked together. A school nurse first identified some hearing deficiencies via a school screening for a student in Goddard, Kansas. It was challenging for 7-year-old Kendall and her family, as she needed multiple evaluations by different specialists. She was ultimately diagnosed with an auditory processing disorder and would require hearing aids. The expenses added more stress to her family as they were figuring out other health complications for their daughter while raising two younger children. Hearing aids may seem like an easy answer, but children must have them replaced periodically due to their growth spurts. And the aids are not cheap.

Credit Union of America donates annually to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals at Ascension Via Christi (CMNH) Hearing Aid Assistance Program. The program allowed Kendall to be fitted for a hearing aid in January 2022 for her left ear while removing the financial stress from her family. She received another hearing aid in the summer for her right ear. After receiving her second, through tears, Kendall said, "I have a voice. I can hear myself talking." And that comment, in a nutshell, reaffirms CUA's decision to support the program. Her parents say the hearing aids have made a world of difference in the quality of Kendall's life, and her personality has since blossomed. 

Over the past six years, CUA employees have donated $71,146.10 to provide hearing aids to CMNH children in Kansas. The donations are funded primarily by employee jean-day contributions. CMNH assists sick and injured Kansas pediatric patients without regard to income. CMNH donations are just one way Credit Union of America gives back to our communities and makes a difference in the lives of our neighbors.

 

 

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