 Help
us help others to hear
The University
of Michigan Cochlear Implant Program has been providing sound to
profoundly deaf individuals since 1986. The program has grown in
many ways since implantation of this first patient. Importantly,
our program has grown to become one of the largest of its kind in
the country, and currently provides clinical support to more than
1,000 patients with cochlear implants. In recent years, our
program provided cochlear implants to approximately 100 adults and children annually.
From the
beginning, private gifts have played an important role in the success
of our program. In 1986, the University of Michigan Cochlear Implant
Program Children’s Fund was established to provide financial
support for children whose insurance carriers denied coverage for
this important surgery, and to provide financial support for various
educational activities provided by the cochlear implant center staff
for patients and their families, and for professionals working with
cochlear implant recipients. These activities have included parent-training
workshops (day-long workshops for parents of newly implanted children
to guide them in understanding the cochlear implant), seminars for
professionals working with children and adult cochlear implant recipients,
payment for travel to and from children’s schools so Cochlear Implant Team
members could provide important information regarding the child’s
use of the cochlear implant at school, and establishment of the
Brian Waddell Memorial Library. None of these important activities
would have been possible without the support provided by donors
who have given generously to the Children’s fund.
Who
has given to the CI Children's Fund?
A wide variety
of individuals have provided financial support for our Children’s
Fund. One patient donated the money she received from her participation
in a cochlear implant research study. Another patient gives to the
fund regularly as part of her United Way contributions. One family
held a fund-raiser to defray the costs associated with their child’s
surgery and gave the extra money they raised to the Children’s
Fund. Many family members have donated money in remembrance of loved
ones who passed away who were hearing-impaired or had a cochlear
implant.
Why
a gift to the CI Children's Fund?
Making a gift
to the University of Michigan Cochlear Implant Children’s
Fund makes it possible for us to provide important and greatly needed
outreach to patients and their families, to professionals who work
with our patients, and to professionals who are referral sources
for future patients. Although more people then ever before are aware
about cochlear implants, many professionals still hesitate to refer
patients for a cochlear implant. A contribution to the Children’s
Fund will help make it possible for us to educate others about the
importance of early referral and about the benefits of this life-changing
technology.
How
can you help?
A financial
donation of any size will provide direct benefit to others. Please
contact us today to explore the ways you can help. Terry Zwolan
can be reached by email,
or please call the center at (734) 998-8119 to learn more about
the ways you can help others hear.
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