Sophia meets Sofia while coming together for the first time with Microtia and Atresia

Sophia and Sofia come together…the start of an amazing friendship

Here is a warm story for the holidays…helping share the joy of being able to come together with other families who are in the same situation with Microtia and Atresia and realizing that you are not alone. This is what Ear Community is all about and how our board members can also help other families.

On December 8th, 2017, in Indiana, Ear Community’s Board of Director member, Melissa Shamanski and her daughter, Sophia, found themselves overjoyed when meeting another family who had a daughter who was also born with Microtia and Atresia. This little girl not only was Sophia’s age, but both girls happened to have the same name (Sofia)! This was such a special day for both families coming together because Sofia (the sweet little girl and her family meeting with Melissa and her daughter, Sophia) had never met someone else just like her before with a missing ear. In fact, Sofia’s mom hadn’t heard of the Ear Community Organization either. So, when Melissa Shemanski and her daughter, Sophia, met with Sofia and her family, the were very excited for so many reasons! Melissa and Sophia shared their experience so far with Microtia and Atresia and how Sophia is aided with the Cochlear Americas Baha and also wears a prosthetic ear. Melissa also told Sofia’s mom all about Ear Community and began offering help and educating her about all of the options that are available today for individuals with Microtia and Atresia. The girls were so happy to meet each other and hang out for the day together. As a board member and a teacher, Melissa Shemanski was delighted to connect with Sofia’s this family and help offer some guidance about their options for Microtia and Atresia through Ear Community. Sofia’s mom was touched that there was an entire community for children just like her daughter…she couldn’t believe it!

Sofia’s mother says, “I don’t believe in coincidence. I believe we plan our steps, but it is Yah that orders them. We prayed and waited for a day like this when Sofia’s question was “Mom, when will I meet someone who looks beautiful like me?”…would be answered! Not only did both girls look alike, they share the same name (same initials S.S. too!) And…both girls are less than one year apart in age. A beautiful child raised by equally amazing parents. I thank God on high for allowing us to meet! We look forward to many more gatherings and wonderful times together, knowing we have each other and are not alone.”

Melissa and her daughter Sophia found out about Sofia and her family through a friend in common who was part of a local support group in their community…for something completely unrelated about Microtia and Atresia. It is a small world.

We hope that so many families in our world are given the chance to come together where they can meet each other and share experiences. This is the reason why we have our community.