The magazine for kids and teens with hearing loss
ing m o c ver acles bst
Meet ! on s w a D
fun & s e m a g
v5 HOW issue 30 Sporty Fall 2022.indd 1
7/13/22 9:24 AM
TWO PAWS UP FOR RHETT Karlie Waldrip, 27, is passionate about raising awareness of deaf dogs and inspiring others to consider adopting them. Karlie was diagnosed with hearing loss and received her first hearing aids at 11-months-old. At the age of 9 she received her first cochlear implant and loved it so much that she got a second cochlear implant at the age of 18. In third grade she began learning sign language through her regional day school program for the deaf. Today, Karlie is an itinerant teacher of the deaf and proud mom of pup Rhett, a deaf dog she adopted and now has become her ‘whole world.’ Check out Rhett's story ‘in his own words’ below!
Hi, I’m Rhett! Did you know that you and I have something in common?
No, it’s not four paws or a tail! It’s hearing loss. Dogs and other animals can be born deaf or lose their hearing later in life. I was born in a small town in Texas. My fur-dad and a couple of my fur-siblings were also deaf. We are Australian Cattle dogs, which means we love to work, sometimes on ranches with cattle. For many months, I lived at an adoption shelter, waiting for a family to take me home. One day, a young girl named Karlie came by to meet me. I was so excited that I jumped up on her for a big ol’ hug and kiss, then plopped down for some belly rubs and scratches. Karlie decided to adopt me. We had an instant bond because Karlie is deaf, too. She has cochlear implants and can listen and talk, and she also knows sign language. The first sign she taught me was ‘thumbs up’ which means ‘good job.’ Since then I’ve learned potty, walk, food, water, sit, down, shake, car, mom, and dad. I am four-years-old and understand about 30 signs, and I am still learning more. When my mom and I go on walks, people often see my ‘deaf dog’ vest and stop us to ask questions. We love raising awareness about deaf dogs and educating others about our abilities. I love to play with my family and furry friends, swim, play ball, and go for car rides. I can do anything I set my mind to. My mom helps give me a voice through my Instagram account, @rhett_the_heeler. Follow my journey and stay tuned for my book at www.rhetttheheeler.com. I WOOF you all
Rhett
8 v5 HOW issue 30 Sporty Fall 2022.indd 8
7/13/22 9:24 AM
Remembering Kamaria Kamaria was a 17-year-old high school senior with bilateral cochlear implants who was looking forward to being featured in Hearing Our Way. Her itinerant teacher of the deaf, Natalie Phillips, shared with great sadness that Kamaria passed away on February 17, 2022 after a courageous lifelong battle with Kearns-Sayre Syndrome. It is our honor to share Kamaria’s story.
All About Me Hi, I’m Kamaria. I live in Arlington, Texas, and I love online shopping, listening and dancing to hip hop music, going out to eat, and spending time with my family and friends. My absolute favorite food is seafood, especially crab legs and catfish. My family and I have a weekly tradition of Seafood Fridays!
Hearing My Way When I was born, I seemed perfectly fine and healthy. It wasn’t until 2nd grade that my mother and teacher started noticing that I was struggling to hear. The school audiologist tested my hearing and diagnosed bilateral sensorineural moderate to severe hearing loss. I got hearing aids at the age of 7 followed by cochlear implants at the age of 10. At first, the cause of my hearing loss was unknown, but after several tests, the doctors diagnosed me with Kearns-Sayre Syndrome, a type of progressive multi-system disorder of the mitochondria.
Ear Gear My favorite thing about my cochlear implants is that they are compatible with my phone! I can stream audio so that I can listen to my favorite artist (Beyoncé!), adjust the volume, and even locate my processors if they get misplaced. I like to say that my cochlear implants are a much cooler version of Apple AirPods. My hearing loss is a part of who I am, and I am grateful for the fact that my hearing loss led doctors to my diagnosis early on.
Overcoming Obstacles You might have heard the phrase, ‘it takes a village to raise a child.’ My village is what keeps me moving forward. I am grateful for the strength to overcome so many obstacles in my life. As more challenges come my way, I will face them head on and overcome each one with the help of my village.
THE FIGHT CONTINUES: Kamaria’s legacy continues to live on. Her family has chosen to raise funds in Kamaria’s memory.
Fighting for a Cure My family and I have created a team called Kamaria’s Krew that puts on several events to collect funds and raise awareness for the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation. I have a passion for raising awareness and helping find creative ways to fight for a cure.
I Have a Vision My dream is to be a history and science high school teacher. Even though I am not technically a teacher yet, I strive to teach others through my life. I try to be a model of
strength, endurance, grit, determination, and unconditional love. You can learn so much
from other people by watching how they live their life and by listening intently to what they are saying. Above all else, I want to be a teacher that demonstrates that you can do anything. Never give up and above all
else, ALWAYS BE KIND.
PLEASE VISIT WWW.CLASSY.ORG/CAMPAIGN/RESEARCH-FUND-KAMARIA-SATCHER/C347575
v5 HOW issue 30 Sporty Fall 2022.indd 9
9 7/13/22 9:24 AM