When Sydney’s Jessica Kerr’s much anticipated first born baby arrived, he brought both overwhelming joy and unforeseen heart ache and challenges.
Nixon’s deafness, discovered early on, sent ripples of doubt and self-reflection through Jess’ thoughts.
“I couldn’t help but wonder if I had somehow caused it during pregnancy,” she shared, a natural but heart-wrenching thought for any parent facing unexpected news about their child.
Confirming Nixon’s profound hearing loss at one month old plunged Jess and her husband into emotional turmoil.
‘It was so special when he heard his family for the first time’
The looming financial uncertainties associated with cochlear implants and essential services added an extra layer of worry.
“The financial side really scared me. I didn’t know how much the cochlear implants would cost, and how much a speech therapist would be,” Jess said.
“I remember looking at my husband and saying ‘We’re going to need to sell the house’.”
The complexity of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) added to their worries.
Each passing day without Nixon’s intervention plan deepened their concerns, understanding that delays could hinder his speech development—a crucial factor for children with hearing loss.
The Shepherd Centre emerged as a guiding light. Nixon’s life-altering cochlear implant surgery at six months old opened doors to vital early intervention services that would help him bridge the gap with his hearing-born peers.
Gratefully, The Shepherd Centre eased the financial strain during this critical period, enabling the Kerr family to focus solely on Nixon’s development.
“Their support came at a time when we needed it most,” Jess reflected. “I think the weekly speech therapy has really made him go above and beyond with his speech”.
Nixon now attends weekly speech therapy with his speech therapist, Clare, at The Shepherd Centre. Jess gushes that “Nixon wouldn’t be where he is without Clare”.
Fast forward to today, Nixon is progressing in leaps and bounds. He’s started saying his dad’s name, interacting with people, and his confidence is soaring.
“Even Clare said yesterday, he’s so cluey. He recently learned how to fist bump! Which is so cute.”
Nixon’s achievements brought a renewed sense of hope and resilience to the Kerr family.
“Every step he takes is a testament to his resilience,” Jess expressed, moved by Nixon’s progress.
His newfound abilities to say “dad” and identify objects independently were moments of profound celebration—a testament to Nixon’s resilience and the hope he embodies.
“I’ll never forget the time when he was first fitted with his cochlear implants and Nixon heard our voices for the first time, along with his grandparents. This was a day I thought would never happen” Jess says.
This Christmas, The Shepherd Centre is calling on Australians to support the other families out there who have young children with hearing loss and need support, ultimately giving these kids the opportunity to live their life to their potential.
