Godfreys Law is a team, with everyone relying on each other to get the best solutions for our clients. One of our Legal Secretaries, Megan, is a valued member of our team, and it’s because of her that Godfreys Law takes part in Loud Shirt Day.
The Godfreys Law team supporting Loud Shirt Day
“My daughter Charlotte was born in August 2008, just months before the National Newborn Hearing Screening Programme was introduced,” says Megan. "Unfortunately, this meant Charlotte’s hearing loss was not picked up when she was a baby.”
When Charlotte was two years old, Megan asked why she was only speaking a few words, when her older sister had been speaking in full sentences at the same age. It was hard not to compare the two, but naturally she did.
“I asked my doctor about Charlotte’s hearing when she was four years old. The doctor arranged a set of hearing tests, but I was told that Charlotte’s hearing was fine and that it was a behavioural problem,” says Megan. “At a certain point a mother’s instinct takes over, and once Charlotte started school I requested another set of hearing tests from the Vision and Hearing people that visited her school, but her tests came back inconclusive.”
Charlotte was then referred to the Christchurch Hospital Audiology Department where she received comprehensive hearing tests. The results showed that Charlotte had moderate to profound “cookie bite” hearing loss, and this loss was progressive which meant Charlotte would lose all of her hearing over time.
Charlotte was fitted with a pair of hearing aids which made quite a difference at the time, but it was only a temporary fix. Charlotte’s hearing deteriorated further, and the hearing aids no longer helped. Finally Charlotte was referred to Southern Cochlear Implant Programme (SCIP), where she was assessed and offered bi-lateral cochlear implants. On 23 June 2016 she had surgery.
“The impact of the cochlear implants on Charlotte has been life changing,” says Megan. “From being so far behind her peers in vocabulary and learning, her access to sound has enabled her to catch up. Her vocabulary has increased and she has also become more confident, calm and has a better understanding of the world around her.”
“It can be easy to take our hearing for granted at times,” says Partner at Godfreys Law Brad McDonald. “Following Charlotte’s journey over the years through Megan has brought home just what a difference the gift of hearing can have on a person’s life. The SCIP’s cochlear implants transform lives, and our team takes part in Loud Shirt Day to support their incredible work.”
Loud Shirt Day raises funds to support Hearing House and Southern Cochlear Implant Paediatric Programme. These two charities provide services to children with cochlear implants or hearing aids, helping them learn to listen and speak like their hearing peers.
On September 28th, Friends, workplaces, or groups of people are encouraged to wear their 'loudest shirt.' Something bright and colourful, or just a shirt that stands out. The aim is to have fun, raise awareness, and help deaf and hearing impaired kids have a better future.
The SCIP is based in Christchurch and provides their service to the whole South Island. To donate to this very worthy cause, you can come by Godfreys Law on September 28th or visit www.scip.co.nz.
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