Stories that Inspire- Kiyomi's Story
When Kiyomi was just three months old, her parents discovered she had bilateral sensorineural hearing loss after a referral to an audiologist. By four months, Kiyomi was fitted with hearing aids, and a few months later, they discovered her hearing differences were due to a genetic syndrome called Branchio-oculo-facial Syndrome (BOFS). As a family new to the world of hearing loss, they wanted to connect with others and raise awareness, which led them to join the Houston Walk4Hearing through the Melinda Webb School at the Texas Hearing Institute (THI).
Their participation not only allowed them to raise funds, but it also helped them feel part of a supportive community. Initially, they felt isolated as Kiyomi was the first child they knew with hearing aids, but at the Walk, they were inspired by the many families going through similar journeys. The event reinforced the importance of finding a supportive community.
For Kiyomi’s family, Walk4Hearing has become more than just an event, it’s a place to make connections, create memories, and share their story. It’s a reminder that they are not alone and that there is a supportive community ready to help families living with hearing loss.
Walk4Hearing provides us with the opportunity to find answers about raising a child with hearing loss, it’s a chance for us to share our journey and connect with others who understand.
- Kim G, Kiyomi’s Mom
Read: MacKenzie's Story | Stephanie's story