Bringing the gift of hearing to young Duncan

I hope this message finds you well. I would like to take a moment to share a touching story of resilience and hope involving my dear colleague, Charmaine Snyman, and her courageous son, Duncan Snyman. For nearly 20 years, Charmaine has been my rock at work, demonstrating unwavering strength in the face of life’s challenges.

Duncan was born three months premature in 2009, leading to a journey of triumphs and tribulations. In 2015, he was diagnosed with Cholesteatoma in his left ear, requiring multiple surgeries to manage the condition. Despite the best efforts of the medical team, the persistent growth resulted in the complete blockage of his left ear, leaving him deaf on that side. Yet, the story takes a hopeful turn: Duncan was recently evaluated and deemed an excellent candidate for a cochlear implant.

Charmaine’s joy at hearing Duncan say, “You can stop yelling at me, I can hear you!” was a poignant reminder of their journey together. Unfortunately, their dreams of restoring Duncan’s hearing were met with another hurdle. The medical aid only offered a meager contribution of around R700 for the procedure, leaving Charmaine and her husband, Quintis, unable to afford the costs of the cochlear implant after years of financial strain due to Duncan’s medical needs.

The proposed MED-EL Bonebridge device would be a game-changer for Duncan, allowing him to hear more clearly in various environments, particularly in the classroom and social situations. The estimated costs for the sound processor and surgical procedure total R77,680, not including hospital fees. This financial burden weighs heavily on Charmaine and her family, and their dream of helping Duncan achieve full hearing ability hangs in the balance.

Duncan is not just a resilient young man; he is polite, kind, and well-adjusted, often navigating social situations with grace despite his challenges. However, the emotional weight of his hearing loss is undeniable. The relief of hearing clearly would not only enhance his academic experience but also enrich his social interactions and overall quality of life.

Hot Cares had the opportunity to make a profound difference in Duncan’s life by covering the total costs of the procedure, estimated at R100,000. This act of kindness would not only help Duncan hear better but also bring immeasurable joy to Charmaine, who has been a steadfast advocate for her son’s well-being throughout his life.