Hi, my name is Sammi Schafer and I am 12 years old. My bat mitzvah is coming up on June 22, 2019. For my bat mitzvah project I am choosing to do something that affects me and millions of others, no matter what age, race or gender. I was diagnosed with moderate to severe hearing loss at birth. I was fitted with hearing aids at 2 months old. Because I received my hearing aids so young I was able to learn language, communicate with people and learn just like all the other kids in my class. Without the benefit of my hearing aids I would have struggled greatly.

Although I was lucky enough that my family was able to buy me my hearing aids, millions of people are not as lucky. 38 million Americans (approximately 3 million children) suffer from some form of hearing loss, many of whom cannot afford to buy hearing aids. Hearing loss was shown to negatively impact household income on-average up to $12,000 per year or as much as $30,000, depending on the degree of hearing loss. Reports indicate the negative impact of income is due to problems with effective communication, underemployment and physical and mental health issues that may affect job performance.

In fundraising, I hope to help children and adults who do not have the resources to benefit from the gift of sound, just like I did!
Join me in supporting the Hearing Aid Project and help us get closer to a happier, hearing world! Any donation helps hearing impaired individuals in need lead a better life. No donation is too small and is greatly appreciated. Also, any old/unused hearing aids you have would also be greatly appreciated. Just let me know and I will gladly coordinate in donating them to the organization!