Imagine waking up in the morning and not hearing the birds chirp...
Imagine sitting on the beach and not hearing the waves crash ashore...
Imagine opening a can of cola and not hearing the bubbles pop...
Imagine a mother soothing a baby and he cannot hear her voice...
Imagine a life without hearing...
Tashreeq and Aadam are both profoundly deaf. Hearing aids were not powerful enough and it was decided to do bilateral cochlear implants at almost the cost of R1000 000. This was done by raising money by appealing to the public, family and friends. By having fundraising stage shows, high teas and whatever legally brought in money. Tashreeq (14yrs) had his implants in 2001 and 2007. Aadam had his implants in 2008 and 2010. This was the ultimate gifts to these boys that anyone could give... 'The Gift of Sound'.
Looking back, I don't know how we managed to raise so much money. What has been etched in the mind is that many people and businesses donated money towards the cost of these operations. The kindness of strangers who have made a difference in the lives of these children. How can one ever forget? It was very difficult coming out of our comfort zone and asking people for their money. ... and yet, we only had to reach out and ask.
This was an enormous emotional and stressful period for all of us. We had no time for anything but discussing fundraising. Putting our Trust in our Creator, Almighty Allah, that we came through on the other side as better people. He gave us Courage to ask for help, Humility to accept help and rejections. When one door closed another would open. Allah placed compassion in the hearts of so many people who donated money even though they knew us not. He gave us Patience and Protected us during this long stressful period, when it seemed that the road was unending. So if you have given your small change towards our fundraising, please know that you have made a BIG difference! Simple words that comes from deep down in the heart and no other way to say it........THANK YOU.
