Teenager Chermelle Maasdorp will get to enjoy the gift of sound thanks to a successful surgery and a new hearing device! Set to pop in for her big day is none other than Miss SA Mia le Roux, who, herself, knows life without hearing.
Pretoria, South Africa (17 October 2024) — Young teen Chermelle Maasdorp from Upington is soon going to enjoy something she has long waited for—the gift of sound.
When Chermelle was only a few months old, she was treated for meningitis and consequently lost her ability to respond to sound. Because of what became severe hearing loss, Chermelle had to develop her own unique relationship with communication; teaching herself how to lipread and developing her own fashion of communication that didn’t rely on her ears.
But, things took a turn for the hopeful when Chermelle was added to the Foundation for Children with Hearing Loss in South Africa’s waiting list—an NPO that is dedicated to assisting families in raising funds for cochlear implant surgeries; a very expensive surgery that many families are desperate to access but simply cannot afford.
The race to get Chermelle (who did not have an active medical aid) her surgery saw significant community input, with Krugersdorp’s Laerskool Kenmare teaming up with the Foundation to help raise R385,000 for the teenager!
The fundraising was a hit for the life-changing op, and by mid-September it was all systems go; Chermelle was on her way to hearing!
With her surgery done and dusted, Chermelle’s hearing device is set to be switched on tomorrow at the Ear Institute. Popping in for what will undoubtedly be a moment for the books is Miss South Africa, Mia le Roux, who herself was diagnosed with profound hearing loss at just one year old.
Mia will be there when Chermelle discovers sound, a moment that’s a victory not just for Chermelle and her family but for everyone who came together to support her healing journey.
Meanwhile, in other news where the senses stole the show, Cornelle Leach, AKA The Bride to See, is freshly enjoying life with sight thanks to people who gave her the wedding gift of a lifetime! You can read all about her story, here.
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