PRESS AND MEDIA PAGE
Press Contact: Naomi Horton, 317-828-0211, info@hearindiana.org
PRESS RELEASE
Patty Spitler, Retired TV Anchor, to speak about Doing Deaf Differently at Hear Indiana's Talk Walk Run 2010
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Contact: Naomi Horton, 317-828-0211, info@hearindiana.org
Indianapolis-
On May 1, 2010, in honor of “Better Hearing and Speech Month,” more than 600 individuals from across Indiana will gather for Hear Indiana’s 7th annual Talk Walk Run (5K) to raise awareness about Doing Deaf Differently. With community wide support, and a presenting sponsorship from Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at St.Vincent, Hear Indiana hopes to raise $50,000 in 2010 to support their ongoing programming (i.e., advocacy, support, educational programming, and a week-long Youth Leadership Camp).
Patty Spitler, former TV news anchor and the current host of PetPalsTV.com, has joined Hear Indiana’s cause to raise awareness about hearing loss and the options available today. Spitler is now speaking publicly about her choice to get amplification and remain active in the hearing world, “In December of 2004, I dropped out of work and dropped out of life. By then my hearing loss, due to Meniere's Disease, had progressed to the point that I could no longer function in the hearing intensive world of TV news. Today I am profoundly deaf, but my new digital hearing aid has greatly improved my ability to communicate again. Hear Indiana has helped me realize that my life is not over. Hearing loss and deafness are still a struggle, and everyone has a different story and a different need...but our problem doesn't have to be suffered in silence anymore.”
This year’s post-race festivities will include a proclamation by the Mayor of Lawrence, a visit from the Indianapolis Colts’ cheerleaders, an interactive rhythm ensemble, kids’ games, free food from Noodles and Company, and lively discussion with Patty Spitler.
The 5K run/walk will begin at 9:00 am (same-day registration begins at 7:30 am) on May 1, 2010 at Fort Harrison State Park in Indianapolis. The FREE Kids Fun Run begins at 10:30 am. The Talk Walk Run is a great chance for families to meet other families and adults affected by hearing loss. Register at www.TalkWalkRun.net.
Hear Indiana is the non-profit Indiana chapter of the Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. For forty years the organization has helped children with hearing loss achieve their fullest potential as independent members of society. Visit www.HearIndiana.org for more information.
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Did you know that hearing loss is one of the most common birth defects? In the state of Indiana, a baby is diagnosed with hearing loss every 48 hours.
Newborns can be fitted with hearing aids, and children as young as one may receive a cochlear implant. With today’s technology, most deaf children can learn to listen and speak.
We know that if deaf babies receive appropriate early intervention by six months of age, they have an excellent chance of achieving age-appropriate language skills by the time they enter mainstream kindergarten.
HEAR THE DIFFERENCE.
See and hear the outcomes of early identification, intervention and oral deaf education for pediatric hearing loss.
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