Baby Leahs Journey to Hear

By: Leah Strydom
Short URL: https://archive.backabuddy.co.za/leah-strydom-5834890096012312064
Date Created: 11 February 2024

Funds Raised:
R 1 346

Fundraising Target:
R 50 000

Personal message

Dear friends, We are the parents of the most beautiful girl who needs some help.

Meet 4-month-old Leah Strydom, a little warrior diagnosed with congenital hearing loss in both ears. Her journey is unique, as she has different hearing loss levels in each ear, an uncommon occurrence in congenital cases.

Leah's Journey in the womb: At 19 weeks pregnant, Mom was hospitalized with influenza A. During the 24-week scan, Leah's head growth lagged by two weeks. Referred to a sonographer and then a fetal specialist, we learned about the possibility of Microcephaly. Negative blood tests ruled out infections. Despite suggestions for DNA testing and an MRI, we chose not to undergo them, We just wanted to love our baby the way God gifted her to us, and trusted in what we believe is God's plan.

Leah failed her newborn hearing test, and was asked to return a few weeks later. After 4 OAE tests and an AABR that failed we had to take her for an Diagnostic ABR which confirmed that she could hear, just not perfectly.

Leah's hearing loss journey has taken us through amazing technology and numerous tests. MRI results came back normal, ruling out any brain-related issues. Her right ear presents with mild to severe sloping hearing loss, and her left ear with moderate to severe flat hearing loss, averaging a 39% hearing loss.

Leah has been prescribed bilateral hearing aids, crucial for her speech and language development in these early stages. The Audiologist recommends fitting them by the time she turns 6 months old.

We've received quotes between R35,190 and R53,705 for the hearing aids, and we're uncertain about the costs for all the testing. While we've been gathering spare pennies, we're still a few short. Funds raised will be used to get her the needed hearing aids and cover fees for the tests that were done.

To follow Leah's Journey and get updates please join our group https://chat.whatsapp.com/BBAbDy2uc2ZHV00CA08sQP

Your generosity and support mean the world to us. We would appreciate if you can help us make a difference in Leah's life and help her experience the beautiful sounds around her.

Thank you for being a part of this journey.

Lots of Love

The Strydom Family

Donations

Mar 05, 2024 - R 150.00
"All the best to you and baby Leah." - Anonymous

Feb 28, 2024 - R 50.00 Fees covered
"" - Anonymous

Feb 25, 2024 - R 200.00
"Sterkte klein pop🩷" - Marinda Viljoen

Feb 17, 2024 - USD $ 57.15 Fees covered
"Ek kan net myself indink hoe dit vir n PA en MA voel om te help maar kan nie altyd nie. Ek hoop regtig die help om julle doelwit bereikbaar te maak. Sterkte en liefde" - Jaco Strydom

Statistics

Fundraising target

R 50 000.00

Donations to date

R 1 345.98

Baby Leahs Journey to Hear Campaign

Dear friends,

I'm the mother of Leah Strydom, a 4-month-old girl diagnosed with congenital hearing loss in both ears. During my pregnancy, there were concerns about microcephaly, but Leah was born healthy.

Despite normal MRI results, she has varying levels of hearing loss in each ear. She needs bilateral hearing aids, but the cost is daunting. Any support would mean the world to us.

Thank you for your kindness. With love, The Strydom Family.