my first blog~ cochlear implant

I decided to make my own blog after reading a couple people blogs and think this would be a good place to put my feelings down and write down the truth about what is going on. Last Saturday, I had the opportunity to volunteer and do crafts with the kids at the Ronald McDonald house with the college sunday school class. The Ronald McDonald house was a very humbling experience. It also felt like God placed me there at the right time. I had the opportunity to meet a great young lady name Aubrey. Aubrey just got a Cochlear Implant, which is something that Ive been wanting to do for the last couple years. I tested to see if I was eligible for one Summer 2009. At that time, they tested your best ear to see if you were a candidate for one. I passed the test with flying colors because I can function well with my hearing aid. Therefore, they told me i wasn't able to get one and that they didn't do unilateral implant yet. So I let it go. Angel, a deaf educational preschool teacher kept encouraging and pushing for me to get tested because she believe I would do well with it. to this day, she still pushes me to think about it. Well, I still want one and meeting Aubrey, I had the opportunity to see first hand on the joy of hearing sounds for the first time. Watching Aubrey smile light up when she hears the ball dribble, the horn of the car, turn signal, and etc. is exciting. it makes me wonder what I will get the chance to hear and if the ci would be successful in my right ear since I haven't had a hearing aid in that ear for a long time. I had the opportunity to get the chance to ask questions that Ive been wondering all this time from a person who first hand experience the ci procedure. After everything that I have seen the past week and from other people that I know who have a cochlear implant, I WILL get one on my right ear! The only problem right now is that I don't have INSURANCE. this is a $60,000 procedure and I have to pay my college loans and bill, rent. Needless to say, I don't have the money. SO the plan now is to get covered under my mom in the fall. However, in the meantime, I am applying for medicare and ssi to see if I can get some assistance from that end. One thing I do know is I will have a Cochlear Implant eventually. :) I want to thank Aubrey and her mom for their support and answering endless questions that my curious mind has. I enjoyed the time i had with them before they go back home. I cant wait to see them when they come back for their mapping. Well, that it for my first blog.