Riley is a 12 year old bubbly enthusiastic boy who loves life & school but wishes that he could enjoy it more with the ability to hear.
Taranaki
Riley was diagnosed as being deaf when he was 5 years old. His ability to hear has decreased over the last few years to the point that when he is in class (Intermediate) he cannot hear the teacher so he is having alot of difficulty in learning.
After a recent trip to see specialists in Christchurch this month, Riley has been advised that a cochlear implant will be the only way his learning will improve and help him keep up with his peers and transition into high school.
Being deaf, Riley has lost his balance and his confidence in group settings and tends to sit back and watch rather than join in. He also now struggles with extreme fatigue as he has to work his brain so hard to simply function and keep up with daily life.
The specialists have said that a cochlear implant will benefit Riley's life significantly but sadly due to government cuts there is no money available to fund this implant for Riley. Riley does not apply for free gov funding as one ear works better than the other
So we are looking to fundraise approx. $50,000 for the private surgery plus ongoing yearly costs so Riley can live, learn and function like normal again.
I have come to know Riley and his family since moving back to NZ and quickly formed a friendship with his mother, Nicci and her extended family. My son and Riley were at the same primary school together where they bonded there and at rugby. They have now progressed to intermediate together and have quite a solid friendship. As Nicci is a very close friend and I have been a very strong support for her & Riley whilst she has been going through this process with him, I have seen his frustration with his inability to hear 100% whilst doing normal things boys do, and tends to sit back and not participate because he struggles.
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