Juan Jose (my son’s name) unfortunate diagnosis:
My wife and I first noticed a problem with our son 1 year ago (when he was 4 months old). We were at a family wedding during the storm season when a strong thunder happened. Strangely, my son didn’t react to it while everyone was scared. The same week, strong winds slammed the door shut in the room where he slept. To our surprise, again he didn’t react.
We consulted with a pediatrician who referred us to a specialist to test for Auditory Evoked Potential. But by that time, the Covid lockdown started in our country and we couldn’t schedule for the test until 5 months later. We had no idea how much precious time was lost.
The 2 main specialists for hearing impairment are Otoneurologist (few neurologists subspecialize in otoneurology around the world) and Phono Neurologist. (I will confirm the exact title soon.) In Honduras, the real specialist is from the United States. He always needs to travel to assist the in-process learning Honduran surgeon, located in Tegucigalpa, Francisco Morazan.
By the time we were able to test, my son’s diagnosis came back as Bilateral Profound Sensorineural Hearing Loss.
What is Bilateral Profound Sensorineural Hearing Loss?
- Bilateral meaning both ears.
- Profound meaning deaf.
- Sensorineural Hearing Loss is permanent. (It means the nerve connecting to the brain is not working, and is usually treated with implant acting as the replacement for the nerve.)
With either definition, if you have profound hearing loss, you won’t hear most everyday sounds without amplification, just loud sounds. You might catch a 100-decibel ambulance siren if your car window is open—but not someone calling you from behind.
Profound hearing loss usually stems from a birth defect or an illness or injury, not from age. Many people in this group read lips or use sign language as they cannot typically hear speech. However, people with severe or profound hearing loss can still benefit from hearing aids.
– Healthy Hearing (https://www.healthyhearing.com)
In JJ’s case, he doesn’t hear anything. His brain barely received any sound even above 95 decibels!
Testing for implants or hearing aids.
While the diagnosis is the worst that any parent could ever receive for their child, we wanted to find the best help that we could. The otolaryngologist instructed us to make more tests (blood test, magnetic resonance and CT in the ears) and see if he would need implants or just hearing aids. In this process, we consulted with every specialist we could find. We searched all over our country of Honduras to learn there was only 1 specialist of this level. During this time…my wife and I considered even to make visas to visit other countries and consult different specialists. Hoping maybe…someone might have a different opinion for us. But it is impossible with this Covid lockdown.
The last appointment was made on December 1, 2020. The diagnosis was final. My son needs Cochlear implants in both ears. The cost of the implants is $63.2k (31.6k each) plus $12k for hospitalization, medical fees and surgery costs. (See official document – Our country primary language is Spanish. I’m going to translate it to English in the coming days).
Why the Cochlear implant surgery has to be done now.
My son needs to be implanted as soon as possible to reduce the gap of his loss of motor skills. The specialists recommend to make the surgery no later than 2 years old and maximum 3 years. He is 1.5 years old (as of December, 2020). My wife and I are trying to save as much money as we can but it’s been very challenging.
On behalf of my little family
We thank you wholeheartedly for hearing out this story. It’s a strange place for us to be. But today and hopefully never again…we ask for your help and support. This is your chance to be our hero.
Thank you and best of wishes to you.
How you can help
Donate Money
No amount too big or small. Anything helps. Anything is appreciated and we really mean that. $1, $5, $20, $100. Any little bit helps. Offline donations, please use the contact form.
Thoughts & Prayers
Don’t have extra funds? We know…it’s been a crazy Corona year for everyone. Kind words, hugs, thoughts & prayers are appreciated just as much. Please share with your social circle.
Hire Walter
While Walter is in limited capacity for the oncoming months, he can be booked for future work. He does custom development and also offers website maintenance packages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this donation tax-deductible?
No, this is not a non-profit org. It’s a person from the community who needs help now.
How much of the donations go to Walter?
Other than transaction fees (~5%), Walter receives all of it.
Why didn’t we use GoFundMe?
GoFundMe (along with other crowdfunding platforms) do not support the country of Honduras.
Donors
Special thanks to our donors. Please checkout their businesses; many of them are top WP developers/contributors.
Anonymous
Anonymous
Anonymous
Matthew & Becky Bailey
Our daughter received cochlear implants almost 2 years ago and it has changed her world for the better. I know it seems dark and difficult… Read more
Our daughter received cochlear implants almost 2 years ago and it has changed her world for the better. I know it seems dark and difficult right now, and I can’t promise those feeling won’t come up from time to time but once JJ gets his magic ears and you see him thrive, you’ll feel more pride and joy than grief. I promise it gets better. Sending our best wishes as you start this journey. Keep going. He’ll surprise you in the best ways.
Anonymous
Eikon Labs
Joshua Brown
Praying for you guys!
Karlyn Tejada Brolsma
Thinking of your fam!
James
Paul Zalewski
Fathercraft
Anonymous
Megan Godler
Gabriel Tullier
birthpedia.net
Hi Walter! I just saw this!! My prayers are with you during this time.. I know this surgery would be a big help!
Filippo Guglielmetti
Anonymous
Dylan Punchihewa
May the little one get the care he needs!
Dr. Antonio G. Farruggia-Bochnak
Dyslexic Brain Coach
Keep on going with the fundraising Walter – I am praying with all of my heart that you hit your target. Please send my love to JJ 🙂
Dr. Antonio G. Farruggia-Bochnak
Dyslexic Brain Coach
Walter, you and your wife are such wonderful people and I'm so proud to be connected with you through work. Give my love to JJ 🙂
Anonymous
Ernest Falconer
Disrupt2Create
Anonymous
Jodi Stammer
Uncorked Design
I will pray that your son gets the help he needs!
Kori Ashton
Prayers from Texas
Hashim Warren
Hashim Warren
Shaylee Hansen
Anonymous
Josh Pollock
Anonymous
Mike Hemberger
BizBudding
I will be praying for your son and your fam!
Pranoti
I pray your child gets well soon and is healthy forever
Nicola Losito
best to you all 🙏🏻
Milan de Keijzer
Wishing your family all the best!
Irving Cohen
Ernest Falconer
Disrupt2Create
Lauren
LitespeedTech.com
Walter Lopez
WP Allied
Jon Penland
David
Anonymous
Rui Guerreiro
WP Mobile Menu
Everything will be fine
Koen
Michael Kwan
Pixl
Get well soon lil guy!
Anonymous
Remkus de Vries
Jason Summerour
Best of luck!!
Marcel Bootsman
Anonymous
Benjamin Intal
Stackable
Anonymous
Laurence Burton
Weather Company/IBM
Anonymous
Adelbert Madali
Best wishes…
Daryl P
Travis Smith
WP Smith
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers!
Teresa Magnuson
Sunny & Clear
Anonymous
Anything Graphic
Nicolai Lonne
DIVEIN.com
Best of luck to your whole family
Hong ng
Hang in there. Dawn will come. 🙂
Anonymous
Thomas Fanelli
Convesio
I will keep you and your son in my prayers.
Chloe Kilmore
Dave Warfel
Escape Creative
Sending positive vibes ❤️
Jules Webb
Jules Webb
Gene P
Wellspring Web Studio
Carrie Dils
8177151471
❤️🙏👂
Anonymous
Anonymous
Benjamin Houy
Anonymous
Anonymous
Anonymous
Anonymous
Anonymous
Clifford Paulick
TourKick LLC
We haven't met, but prayers and rooting for you and your family.
Anonymous
Milla
Praying for your son
Hanna
Anonymous
Anonymous
Anonymous
Anonymous
Laura
Anonymous
Daan Tol
WPLIft
Anonymous
Anonymous
Dan wimble
Emily Severin
Anonymous
Ritika Poddar
Michelle Frechette
GiveWP
Best wishes for JJ!
Tye Brown
Anita
Anonymous
Sallie Goetsch
WP Fangirl
Michaela Vais
Sending love and prayers! All the best for JJ!
Sara Graybill
Graybill Creative
Connie Zamora
David Vogelpohl
Anonymous
KRISTIN HANES
Kristin Hanes
Thinking of your family!