Jaime Vernon knew early on something was not right with her daughter Lexi’s hearing, even though she was told time and again nothing was wrong. But she didn’t give up, and at the age of 13 months, Lexi was diagnosed as being deaf. A few months later, Lexi received cochlear implants and at 19 months, was able to hear sounds for the first time.
“After experiencing the heartache of Lexi never hearing a lullaby when I rocked her, to feeling her head falling onto my shoulder when she could hear the music...we want to give those special hearing moments to everyone,” says Jamie. “That's the 'songs' in Songs for Sound.”
Songs for Sound is a nonprofit organization that helps others suffering from hearing loss. “We get to go out, love, inspire and encourage people. We get to help people hear, based on one little girl’s story," she proclaims.
“The joy in seeing what happens ‘after’ is even greater. The phone calls I get about lives that have been transformed--that’s why I do it. I do it to give God’s love the way He gave it to us.”
For Lexi, now 13, being able to hear sounds early in life has made a tremendous difference in her development. “I’m so thankful for sound. I wake up every morning in silence, but put my ‘ears’ on and I can hear! I love to hear so many sounds when I play softball. I love hearing my friends laugh and I love hearing music. I’m very thankful for my hearing and my speech.”
Jaime’s advice to parents who believe their child may be hearing impaired: "Do something TODAY. Call me. Email me. Whatever you need, I’ll help walk you through it. It’s my favorite part of this job. We want this experience to change the way they THINK about their hearing.”
Lexi agrees: “Being hearing impaired is a gift. God has put you in this position to go tell others about your story. That is our calling in life. Wear your hearing aids. Wear your cochlear implants. Show the world YOUR story and use it for good!”
To support Songs for Sound, go online to SongsForSound.com to learn about these and upcoming fundraising events:
- May 1 - Songs for Sound's 1st Annual Pull for Veterans with Hearing Loss
- May 22 - Songs for Sound's 10th Annual Hear the Music Gala "Under the Stars"