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Cochlear Implant for Mike

  • The Thank You message that was never sent!

      12 October 2015

    Hi everybody - the following message was supposed to go out to all pledgers when we made target a couple of weeks ago but didn't, and the people I've spoken to at Givealittle don't know why or when it will be sent. So I'm posting it here for those who have signed up to receive updates - a bit belated, especially now that Mike has had the surgery already!

    Here's the original message

    We did it! Thank you so much for pledging towards Mike's cochlear implant surgery which is now booked and ready to go. We couldn't have done it without you. Mike and his family are so grateful. As the target has been met, you should have received a notification from Give a Little that the funds you pledged will have been taken from your credit card. Thank you again.

    Rachael (Mike's sister-in-law)

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  • Operation

      11 October 2015
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    Sore but very happy after first phase of process = operation to implant internal electrode array and internal magnet / coil to attach external processor to. THANK YOU EVERYBODY!!! Love M.

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  • Young Mike

      1 September 2015
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    I was sent this photo by a very generous Aunty who pledged recently - it's me and my first snare drum - aged about 11yrs old I think - poignant picture.

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  • Forbes Elworthy

      15 July 2015

    Huge thanks to Forbes Elworthy - Kate's cousin. I've only met Forbes 3 or 4 times at family gatherings at the family homestead "Craigmore". Hence to pledge so much for someone you know so little of is just ... adjectives... I've run out!! - Big thanks Forbes.

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  • Blown Away!

      10 July 2015
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    Hi All - Just blown away by the response from you all so far. My sincere gratitude to you all. Wonderful you are. I have just been contacted by this guy who Rachael put me on to -

    Peter Dickens

    General Manager

    The New Zealand Music Foundation

    ..provides support to projects across the country that use music to transform the lives of those in need, and lends emergency assistance in times of hardship to members of the New Zealand music community.

    he said he'd send me some forms and it's a good likelihood they will be able to pledge as well.

    Another thing I thought I should mention a Cochlear Implant will give me is directionality. With one ear you have no idea where sounds are coming from - which combined with the anxiety tinnitus causes can give me "audio adrenaline shots". When I hear a loud unexpected sound that I can't see and don't know what direction it's come from - the limbic brain doesn't know which way to run...which has caused some funny moments - like involuntarily yelling F**k!! in the supermarket when some has dropped something behind me - and people looking at me thinking I have Tourette syndrome! - Big love and thanks to you all. M.

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  • THANKS!!!

      4 July 2015

    Hi All. Rachael gave me the password to add updates.

    Just want to say huge thanks to you all.This means so much to me and I'm feeling very grateful and humbled by your incredible kindness, generosity and UNDERSTANDING.

    Huge thanks to Rachael - LEGEND UR!

    Love

    M

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