Helena's Cochlear Implant Operation

In November 1973, Helena Swan was born severe to profoundly deaf, but gifted with incredible tenacity and willpower to always be the very best she could be at whatever she applied herself to.

At 20 months she was formally diagnosed and fitted with body hearing aids, which she wore everyday throughout her school years until she was a teenager. By the age of thirteen in 1986, technology had developed to a level that age could wear ear level aids. Her parents taught her to speak through stereophonic technology and chose not to utilise sign language within the home as a means of communication, but use a combination of hearing aids and lip reading as a means to connect and communicate.

Highly influenced by some amazing teachers in her life, she committed herself to study and gained a diploma in teaching with the help of a reader/writer support person. She has since enjoyed 18 years as a primary school teacher and has been formally recognised for her contribution as a motivational teacher.

In 2015 she has completed her post graduate diploma in Education. She has four beautiful children, and a loving husband, with this operation she'll be able to hear their voices properly for the first time. With this operation her horizons will be limitless to further her commitment to education.

Helena has recently been offered the opportunity of a cochlear implant, to be delivered in two separate operations.

We are seeking to raise $11,000 to cover the shortfall of the cost of these operations.