There is an old Chinese Proverb that goes something like this:
If you want to be happy for an hour,
Take a nap.
If you want to be happy for a day,
Go fishing.
If you want to be happy for a year,
Inherit a fortune.
If you want to be happy for a lifetime,
Help Someone....
Yesterday I particpated in Tennessee's very first Walk4Hearing held in Chattanooga along the beautiful Riverwalk at Chattanooga State Technical Community College. I've participated in many walks for different causes over the years. But, this walk was a very special one for myself and many others because we live with the challenges of dealing with a hearing loss or know someone who has one. I loved this particular proverb when I heard it because it doesn't take much to help someone. A person doesn't need to be rich or famous to make an impact on another person's life. There is research out there that shows that one lives a happier, healthier, and longer life when they live selflessly and give of themselves unconditionally.
For the last 30 years, HLAA has made a difference for the deaf & hard of hearing. HLAA works behind the scenes and advocates, educates, and focuses on issues that are important to individuals with hearing loss. All proceeds from this and other walks held across the U.S. this year will be used to fund local and national programs to help people with hearing loss and to raise public awareness of the challenges that they must confront each day. I wish I could name all the accessibility programs and standards that they are responsible for that benefit so many deaf & hard of hearing persons but that is another post for another day. Recent health statistics say that more than 36 million persons NATIONWIDE are affected by hearing loss.
Over the years, I've been very fortunate to have a wonderful support system with my family, friends, health professionals, coworkers, and even from strangers. Not everyone has that and that is where HLAA comes in at the national and local level. I am PASSIONATE about HLAA and it is no accident that I am in a position to "pay it forward" and help others with the challenges that they face every day dealing with hearing loss. This walk was so dear to my heart and with the help of family, friends, and even people who read this blog that I haven't met yet, I was able to meet BOTH of my fundraising goals!!! My original goal was $1,000 and I met that quickly in a few weeks. So, I set a new goal of $1,500 and surpassed that last week! Our HLA of Knoxville Chapter had a goal of $3,000 and we were able to raise $2,235, which is 75% of our goal! THANK YOU!!!!
You can see pictures here and here and here!
I'm still tired and on a "high" from seeing everyone and participating in this event. I've been busy this year traveling with my husband for our business, advocating for the deaf & hard of hearing, working with my local HLAA chapter, and working with Nashville and the National HLAA to prepare for the HLAA Convention in Nashville next month. But, my schedule is starting to slow down a little and I hope to resume my regular blogging again. Thanks again for all you do for the deaf & hard of hearing, for when you help someone, you make a difference for a lifetime!
More pictures to come soon!
Showing posts with label Walk4Hearing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Walk4Hearing. Show all posts
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Sunday, April 05, 2009
A Very Special Walk
Please CLICK HERE to see my Walk4Hearing Page!
On Saturday, May 16th,I'll be participating in the Walk4Hearing in Chattanooga on the beautiful and colorful Riverwalk at the Chattanooga State Technical Community College in Chattanooga, TN. This very special walk is a fund-raiser to support the Hearing Loss Association of America. I am walking this very special because hearing loss is a public health issue that is third in line behind heart disease and arthritis. If you have been reading this blog for the last few years, you are familiar with my "Dance With Sound." I have lived with a severe/profound hearing loss since the age of 2. I joined HLAA when I started my cochlear implant journey and haven't looked back since!
HLAA is a lifeline for those who are affected by hearing loss. I would not be where I am in my "dance" if it wasn't for the support of family, friends, and HLAA. I've been to two HLAA conventions in the last two years which have been life changing for me. For I have found my "people" because they, too, know the trials and struggles of living with a hearing loss. Through HLAA I have made many long lasting friendships and gained a wealth of information related to hearing loss.
The Walk4Hearing goal is to increase awareness about the causes and consequences of hearing loss. By raising funds, HLAA can provide information and supprt for people with hearing loss and make a difference. It is estimated that 31 million Americans are affected by hearing loss and 2 million of them are deaf. Many of them lack the much needed information and support that they need as they struggle to fit in the hearing world. HLAA advocates for those with hearing loss to enable persons to be all they can be and live full and productive lives.
Someone asked me a few weeks ago that if I could name the one person that has made a difference in my life, who would it be and why. I've been blessed with a great support system throughout my life with family, friends, teachers, mentors, coworkers, health professionals, and even strangers who were understanding and willing enough to help me when I couldn't hear or "get the message." But the one person that has influenced my life the most would be my mother. She was such a great advocate for me and my younger brother, Doug, and did everything in her power to help us be the successful persons we are today in spite of our hearing loss. And because of her love and dedication, I am now in a position through HLAA to "pay it forward" and advocate for others with hearing loss who may not have the support system they need to succeed. Mom lost her battle to cancer 17 years ago on April 8th but is still very much a part of my life today. So, on May 16th, I will honor and remember her by wearing her picture on my t-shirt as I walk and advocate for hearing loss.
My team on the Walk4Hearing page (Chattanooga, TN) is the Knoxville Chapter of HLAA. Our team goal is to raise $1,000 and I have set a personal goal of raising $500.00. I hope to exceed both of those goals. I am not used to being on the receiving end of fund-raising efforts and do not like to ask for money from friends & family, especially during these difficult financial times. But this is for a good cause and I know that some of you will be glad to help! Your donation in any amount will be greatly appreciated and you can give anonymously if you wish.
If you would like to make a donation by personal check, please leave a comment and I will be glad to give you my email & address information so you can mail your contribution to me. All checks should be made out to Walk4Hearing. Donations are tax deductible and you will receive an acknowledgement from HLAA for your tax records.
Your donation will mean so much to me! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your love and support for hearing loss.
On Saturday, May 16th,I'll be participating in the Walk4Hearing in Chattanooga on the beautiful and colorful Riverwalk at the Chattanooga State Technical Community College in Chattanooga, TN. This very special walk is a fund-raiser to support the Hearing Loss Association of America. I am walking this very special because hearing loss is a public health issue that is third in line behind heart disease and arthritis. If you have been reading this blog for the last few years, you are familiar with my "Dance With Sound." I have lived with a severe/profound hearing loss since the age of 2. I joined HLAA when I started my cochlear implant journey and haven't looked back since!
HLAA is a lifeline for those who are affected by hearing loss. I would not be where I am in my "dance" if it wasn't for the support of family, friends, and HLAA. I've been to two HLAA conventions in the last two years which have been life changing for me. For I have found my "people" because they, too, know the trials and struggles of living with a hearing loss. Through HLAA I have made many long lasting friendships and gained a wealth of information related to hearing loss.
The Walk4Hearing goal is to increase awareness about the causes and consequences of hearing loss. By raising funds, HLAA can provide information and supprt for people with hearing loss and make a difference. It is estimated that 31 million Americans are affected by hearing loss and 2 million of them are deaf. Many of them lack the much needed information and support that they need as they struggle to fit in the hearing world. HLAA advocates for those with hearing loss to enable persons to be all they can be and live full and productive lives.
Someone asked me a few weeks ago that if I could name the one person that has made a difference in my life, who would it be and why. I've been blessed with a great support system throughout my life with family, friends, teachers, mentors, coworkers, health professionals, and even strangers who were understanding and willing enough to help me when I couldn't hear or "get the message." But the one person that has influenced my life the most would be my mother. She was such a great advocate for me and my younger brother, Doug, and did everything in her power to help us be the successful persons we are today in spite of our hearing loss. And because of her love and dedication, I am now in a position through HLAA to "pay it forward" and advocate for others with hearing loss who may not have the support system they need to succeed. Mom lost her battle to cancer 17 years ago on April 8th but is still very much a part of my life today. So, on May 16th, I will honor and remember her by wearing her picture on my t-shirt as I walk and advocate for hearing loss.
My team on the Walk4Hearing page (Chattanooga, TN) is the Knoxville Chapter of HLAA. Our team goal is to raise $1,000 and I have set a personal goal of raising $500.00. I hope to exceed both of those goals. I am not used to being on the receiving end of fund-raising efforts and do not like to ask for money from friends & family, especially during these difficult financial times. But this is for a good cause and I know that some of you will be glad to help! Your donation in any amount will be greatly appreciated and you can give anonymously if you wish.
If you would like to make a donation by personal check, please leave a comment and I will be glad to give you my email & address information so you can mail your contribution to me. All checks should be made out to Walk4Hearing. Donations are tax deductible and you will receive an acknowledgement from HLAA for your tax records.
Your donation will mean so much to me! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your love and support for hearing loss.
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