Ear Community Teams walk to support hearing loss in Walk4Hearing events for the HLAA

Team Ear Community Colorado on June 10th, 2018 supporting hearing loss and raising awareness about Microtia and Atresia in the Walk4Hearing.

The Ear Community Organization is one of the many organizations who is an Alliance Member with the HLAA (Hearing Loss Association of America) that help bring community’s together to help raise funds to support loved ones who have hearing loss during their walks.  Each year, family and friends, including organizations, come together to support individuals and loved ones who have hearing loss during Walk4Hearing events.  These walks not only offer the opportunity for the community to come together all over the nation, but they also give everyone the chance to make amazing memories and enjoy a day of fun, together.  For the past four years, Ear Community has partnered with the Hearing Loss Association of America in their Walk4Hearing events.  On Sunday, June 10th, Ear Community’s Colorado team walked in the Walk4Hearing in Littleton, CO, helping raise $2,575.00 funds to help individuals with hearing loss.  Our Ear Community Colorado team enjoyed being a part of the walk and currently has 25 team members.  Our Colorado team members wore their “Microtia Kids Rock” t-shirts during the walk.

Walk4Hearing walks mean a lot to the individuals who participate in them.  They give people the chance to promote awareness about hearing loss and they give walkers the opportunity to support a cause that is near and dear to their hearts.  When creating teams, walkers have a great time because they get to show who they are, what they are proud of, and how much they care about supporting individuals with hearing loss.  Many teams fund raise to help give back to the HLAA and the hearing loss community too.  The funds raised help make amazing things possible such as providing hearing devices and providing helpful services for individuals in need.

To broaden community involvement, the HLAA believes in bringing as many supportive organizations together as possible at its walks through the National Alliance member program.  National Alliance team members can help more people make a bigger difference, providing an even more positive impact in the community, together.  Ear Community team members walk to support the HLAA and hearing loss in the community, but also support the cause for Microtia and Atresia.  Founder and Executive Director of Ear Community, Melissa Tumblin, says “Helping educate and understand different types of hearing loss really can help the community be more accepting and understanding.  Individuals and their families also want to have a community to belong to and enjoy coming together at events like Walk4Hearing walks.  HLAA walks are amazing in the way that they bring so many wonderful organizations together, all who support hearing loss and who enjoy making a difference as a team effort on a national level.”

Team Cutie Pies for the 2018 Long Beach, CA Walk4Hearing, 225 team members walked to support loved ones who have hearing loss.

Ear Community Alliance teams take their walks very seriously, while still managing to have fun at the same time.  One of Ear Community’s California teams in Long Beach, “Team Cutie Pies,” walk every June with children who were born with Microtia and Atresia.  Together, D/HH families, teachers, and early intervention therapists from a local D/HH school district and EI program called P.I.E.S in North Orange County, come together to help raise awareness about both Microtia and hearing loss.  “Team Cutie Pies” has had a Walk4Hearing team for the past four years and includes the Bayan and Orozco families and one of the county’s teachers, Elizabeth Desloge.  On June 9th, 2018, team “Cutie Pies” raised over $7,000 during the Long Beach area walk.  Another

Team Courtney’s Crew, waling to support hearing loss and raise awareness about Microtia and Atresia.

Ear Community Alliance team is “Courtney’s Crew” who walk in NYC each September.  Courtney Muchow was born with Microtia and Atresia and wanted to organize a team to help raise awareness.  This past September, Courtney fractured her ankle and still walked with a smile in the NYC walk because Walk4hearing events mean that much to her!  Courtney says “Hearing matters!”  Courtney’s team includes her friends Sammy, Madi, and Katherine and her family.  They always have a great time at each walk and enjoy spending the afternoon in the city.

In addition to Walk4Hearing walks being so important to the team members who organize them, some individuals have an even deeper appreciation for being involved.  Ear Community Board of Director Member, Kristy Smith, says “Getting involved with the Hearing Loss Association of America has been truly amazing and a blessed opportunity.  From meeting new people, to raising money, and spreading awareness.  There are so many people that need to know the HLAA is here to support anyone of any age, of any type of hearing loss, and that Ear Community can help those who have Microtia and Atresia.”  Three years ago, Kristy started the team “Our Nemos” in Arizona to help support both the HLAA and Ear Community.  This

Kristy Smith, Board Member for the Ear Community Organization, with her daughter, Olivia, raising awareness about Microtia and Atresia at the Walk4Hearing.

November, Kristy was interviewed at the Arizona Walk4Hearing about Microtia and Atresia where she also spoke about National Microtia Awareness Day.  “Being a part of both organizations has helped confirm that this is where I belong.  I enjoyed being a part of Arizona’s hearing loss community, bringing families together, and showing other families to be proud and support our children with little ears.”

Here are some memories from our Colorado Ear Community team Walk4Hearing that took place on Sunday, June 10th, 2018 in Littleton, CO: