Jillian at 2

Jillian is now 2 and turning 3 in October.
Jillian was bilaterally implanted in December 2008, Thanks to The Baker family (Rhyan's Hope) and a family that donated 100% to their foundation.

We met this "family" back in March 2008 at Courtney's home in Orlando, Florida. We met, shared stories and became family over a delicious dinner one afternoon. By the end of the evening we all felt as though we had know each other for years. Our children, all about the same age and another family that had joined us with some similarities in hearing loss. We gain hope, knowledge and common intrests!

As you all know from reading previous "blogs" on Jillian, she has had a number of challenges from birth.
Jillian was successfully implanted in December 2008. The surgery was a little longer then most parents would like (4+ hours) and through it all we knew she was in good hands with God, the doctor, and all the prayers from family and friends! (thank you)

Jillian's right ear will always be stronger then her left ear. Not only was she implanted in her right ear first but she also has all 22 channels in that ear.
Due to a large amount of scar tissue found during surgery the doctor was able to give her 16 of the 22 channels. Which was still an amazing outcome after the amount of scar tissue that was found in front and behind her left Cochlear.

Jillian was delayed with her moder skills. She started crawling at 15+ and no desire to stand or walk on her own. Which I have to add if the Olympics held crawling as competitive sport, she would have won a Gold Metal!
With much therapy (All Children's Hospital) she was given a walker (thanks to Early Steps)to help with her with walking and balance.

In November 2008 her Great-Grandparents ( Nani, Bapi and Uncle Art) visited us for Thanksgiving..... Knowing a room full and audience, she decided she was going to "furniture surf" for the first time! Which how great is that....85+ Great Grandparents to witness her first step!

Shortly after Jillian under went her second implant in December, a few days later she took her first steps! The funny thing was that ABC action news was here in our home taping Jillian's progress and was able to film it all!
www.abcactionnews.com click under health (Jillian Ray)
(Thank you, Linda and John)

Like I said earlier, Jillian has become successful with her bilateral implants. Her vocabulary is about 20+ words. She is very comical, expresses herself VERY well, is always determined to learn and has a loving, warm heart. She is amazing! She teaches me more about life then I could have ever imagined! God Bless her!