‘The Bachelor’ alum Daisy Kent reads to Child’s Voice students
Child’s Voice, a local Wood Dale school that empowers deaf or hard of hearing children who wear hearing aids and cochlear implants, hosted an event on Wednesday, May 14, to bring together families for a night of connection, inspiration and support.
Cochlear North Americas and the Foundation for Hearing Speech Resources co-hosted the event, which featured special guest Daisy Kent.
Kent is a hearing health advocate, finalist on season 28 of “The Bachelor” and a newly minted children’s book author.
After losing her hearing as a teen following challenges with Lyme and Meniere’s disease, Kent received a cochlear implant and now works alongside Cochlear North Americas to raise awareness about hearing care and share tips for self-advocacy.
In addition to speaking on an evening panel at the school, Kent had a chance to read her book “Daisy Doo: All The Sounds She Knew” to the students at Child’s Voice.
“I had the best time reading to the kiddos,” Kent said. “It’s so amazing to see what their teachers are doing and how they go above and beyond for these kids. Plus, it’s always so meaningful to connect with families navigating hearing loss just like mine did.”
Kent had a chance to mingle with event attendees, share about her own journey, answer questions and encourage the children to embrace what makes them unique.
“We’re so grateful to Daisy, her mom Julie, and the teams from Cochlear North Americas and FHSR for partnering with us,” said Annie Gilmartin, director of events and community relations at Child’s Voice. “Having adult role models is invaluable for these kids and to get to meet someone like Daisy brightened their day.”
It was a night filled with inspiration and support that Child’s Voice families won’t soon forget.
“Daisy Kent’s presence added something truly special. Her personal journey with hearing loss deeply resonated with both kids and parents,” said Anna Tess, education coordinator at the Foundation for Hearing Speech Resources. “The event shined a light on the strength, resilience and bright futures of children with hearing loss.”
Programming like this and an unwavering support for families is what makes Child’s Voice so special.
“Our experience at Child’s Voice has been truly amazing,” said Maria Citino Mikelsons, mother of 5-year-old Marty Mikelsons, a cochlear implant recipient who graduated from the Child’s Voice preschool program this month with plans to transition back to his local school district’s kindergarten school next year.
“What Marty has learned at Child’s Voice goes far beyond academic skills. He has learned how to navigate a classroom and other social settings in a way that ensures he isn’t left out because of his hearing loss. I’m so proud of him.”
For more information about hearing loss and cochlear technology, visit cochlear.com. Learn more about Child’s Voice at childsvoice.org.