HIKE News 08/22/06
June July
Virginia April 28. Colorado #33 Colorado #6

.Colorado June 2005

Thank you Colorado  May 26

New York June 24

Colorado May 26

Illinois June 13

 .Ohio April 16

Thank You Colorado June 2

Nebraska April 30

 .Ohio April 27

New York June 16

.Thank You New York

 .Ohio October

.Colorado #5 June 2005

.Colorado June 6

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Ohio April 16


At Ohio's Pageant on April 16, 2005, 5-1/2 month old Cameron Kennell was present with her parents to receive a HIKE award. Ohio's HIKE Representatives Grace H. from District I, Bailey Z. from District III, Ashley M. from District IV, and Holly E. from District V made the presentation. Cameron was diagnosed with a hearing impairment when just a couple months old. Her mother is a PHQ from Bethel #76. When she was Honored Queen, she raised money for HIKE as her service project, not knowing that her family one day would benefit from it. The family expressed their thanks for Job's Daughters' continued support to The HIKE Fund and encouraged them to keep up their work.

Cameron with Mom and Dad
Grace, District I, Ashley, District IV, Holly, District V


Ohio October 3

On October 3, 2004 Ohio was honored to present Jennifer Paugh, 9 years old, with a HIKE Award. Jennifer and her family were invited to our "Flight School" (our leadership rally) where Grace H., District I HIKE Representative from Ohio made the presentation. Jennifer joined Ohio in learning more about Job's Daughters and playing games. She was able to purchase the device prior to the presentation so she was able to wear it and show us. She also received a pencil with the alphabet in sign language, and the "Windy the Pooh" HIKE charm. We also presented Jennifer's mother with our "I Love You" key chain. After the presentation, Jennifer's mother said that this was the first time Jennifer has ever been able to hear in her left ear. She started crying and you could see how thankful she was for HIKE and you could see it in her daughter's eyes too. In her speech she said that she was grateful for an organization that could help her daughter to hear.


Ohio April 27

On April 27, 2005, 10 year old Korey Keirns was present at the Official Visit of Bethel #22. Grace H. Ohio's District I HIKE Representative presented the HIKE award to Korey. His parents were very grateful for Job's Daughters and the work that we do. They expressed their thanks to everyone for all the work they give to HIKE.



Korey and Grace, HIKE Rep. District I

 

New York Presentation June 24

Marlene D and her mother & step-father came to the Audiology Suite at the Rochester School for the Deaf and Lisa Marie Sterling fit her with her new blue, wonderful hearing aid.  Marlena was very pleased and so were her parents.


Marlena with Lisa Marie Sterling, Audiologist


Marlena with her parents



Dear Ms. Frakes,

It is my pleasure to inform you that Marlena Demmon was presented with her HIKE Funded hearing aids today, June 24, 2005 at Rochester School for the Deaf. The mother, step-father and Marlena all came to the RSD Audiology suite together and our audiologist, Lisa Marie Sterling, fit Marlena with her two new, beautiful blue hearing aids.

I wish to thank you for your support of deaf and hard of hearing children once again, and specifically for giving this young lady Marlena some wonderful new hearing aids. She has much potential and should be on her way to even higher levels of listening and speaking. Your dedication to the population we serve is very highly valued. We thank you.

Sincerely,
Kathy Scott
Director, Speech/Communication & Audiology
Rochester School for the Deaf

 


Colorado #6 HIKE Presentation June 2005


On a warm Sunday afternoon in May, Carolyn, PHQ and PBG #6 and Bob Burger met with 19 month old Hunter Elizabeth Cates and her parents, Doug and Brandy in their Grand Junction home. The Cates were very thankful and patiently listened while Carolyn explained the International Order of Job's Daughters and the HIKE Fund. They expressed a desire to donate to HIKE in the future. Hunter was very loving and adorable.



Hunter with Mom Brandy & Carolyn B., PHQ, PBG


Colorado HIKE Presentation June 6

On June 6, 2005, at a regular meeting of the Pueblo Chapter, Order of DeMolay, 17-year old Michael, his parents, and the audiologist who suggested they apply to the HIKE Fund were invited to the East, where the presentation of Michael's check was made in front of the entire Chapter. They expressed appreciation to the HIKE Fund, Job's Daughters, and our Chapter.

Submitted by Dexter K., Chairman, Pueblo Advisory Council

Colorado #5 HIKE Presentation June 2005

Before Bethel #5's meeting at the Arvada Masonic Lodge honoring their Dad's and the Masons, the Daughters made HIKE presentations to Elizabeth Cutting, 9 months old, and Rose Mary Gavin, 7 months old. This was very special for the parents of these two infants. Also, it was very special to have the Masons and their wives present for the presentations. The Cuttings and Gavins had met previously during classes they had attended for their daughters and had lost contact with each other. They exchanged phone numbers and will now be able to stay in touch.



Members of Bethel #5
Mr. & Mrs. Cutting with Elizabeth
Mr. & Mrs. Gavin with Rose Mary


Thank You Rochester School of Deaf New York

June 16, 2005

Dear Mrs. Ridenour,

We experienced an exciting morning this morning as David came to the Audiology suite with great expectation and interest in seeing his new hearing aids. He asked a million questions and jabbered away; he was clearly a happy boy. David has great potential for good listening and speaking skills and these aids will affect his ability to communicate clearly when using his voice. They could have far reaching affects in his life overall.

We acknowledge the check received for these two hearing aids for David Mayes. We thank you and want you to know that the International Order of Job's Daughters’ HIKE Fund’s support in this way for the deaf and hard of hearing is so very much valued and appreciated. You do make a difference in children's lives and it is my hope that this letter conveys that fact well.

Please enjoy the photos - they should indicate the level of joy from this morning!

With gratitude,

Kathy S.
Director, Speech/Communication & Audiology
Rochester School for the Deaf
1545 St. Paul Street
Rochester, NY 14621

New York HIKE Presentation June 2005

On June 16 at the Rochester School for the Deaf, 8-year old David Lee Mayes and his mother Karen came to the audiology suite. The School audiologist presented the very excited and happy young man with his two hearing aids.

Mother Karen, David, and Audiologist Lisa S.
David Lee Mayes


HIKE fund helps buy hearing aids for girl
By Mary Pierce, News Editor

They're purple this year - last year they were neon pink. And next year, the molds that hold Maaika Mestl's hearing aids in place are going to change again. "Green", the 8-year old daughter of Chris and Kim Mestl of Ogallala, NE said. While the molds change each year, her hearing aids, funded by Job's Daughters, HIKE fund, are new, and will last approximately five years. The Mestls were presented with a $3,000 check during a ceremony April 30.

"This was a wonderful gift," Kim Mestl said. "It was very generous of them." The tot's hearing impairment was detected at an infant screening shortly after birth, Kim Mestl said. Repeated visits to doctors and audiologists could not determine the problem. "They never pinpointed the problem," she said. Finally, at age 3, after undergoing weekly visits to an audiologist, it was determined the Mestls' daughter had irreversible nerve damage. By that time, her speech was also affected.

She then got her first hearing aids. For two years, she attended a pre-school program at Educational Service Unit 16 to focus on her speech difficulty. Today, the second-grade student in Dale Dee Pochon's Progress Elementary School class, has moderate hearing loss in both ears. The hearing aids allow her to progress along with her other classmates.

While talking with Educational Service Unit 16 Deaf Education Specialist Deb Vapenik, Kim Mestl asked if she knew of any funding sources available to help with the $3,500 cost for her daughter's hearing aids. The Mestls health insurance company, like many, does not cover the cost of hearing aids. Vapenik had heard about the HIKE fund and suggested the family apply.

Job's Daughter Bethel 21 Hike Fund Coordinator Andrea Keith said HIKE (Hearing Impaired Kids Endowment) is the organization's worldwide philanthropic project. Each year, bethels raise money specifically for the fund. Bethel Guardian Carrie Keith said, this year, seven HIKE awards were made in Nebraska. Assistant Bethel Guardian Mike Keith said they were excited when a local family received a HIKE award. "It's one of those little known things about Job's Daughters," Mike Keith said. "We want people to know about it."

The HIKE fund started in 1985. Since then, members of Job's Daughters have raised more than $1 million and have helped nearly 1,000 children with hearing devices. Although a person applying for HIKE funds does not need to be affiliated with Job's Daughters, Kim Mestl was a Past Honored Queen of Job's Daughters in 1986, as was her mother, Cheryl Arterburn in the 1950's.

In two years, Maaika can join," Carrie Keith said. Job's Daughters is an organization for young women, ages 11-20, who are related to a Master Mason. The group focuses on community service, leadership, fun and friendships, Mike Keith said.


Illinois HIKE Presentation June 2005

On June13 members of Bethel's 24, 20 and 65 in Columbia, Illinois presented an award to seven year old Christopher Heeg, Jr. His mother and father were very happy to receive the assistance from The Hike Fund. The Grand Guardian of Illinois, Stacey and the Illinois Hike Chairman, Suzan were present for the ceremony.


Thank you from Remy Keast and Mom and Dad

Dear HIKE Fund:

I wanted to write and say thank you for giving us the opportunity to share in the Rose Hill Grange meeting on Thursday, May 26. We were honored to share the story of our daughter, Remy, and were touched by the generosity of The HIKE Fund when we were awarded a grant.

As I shared with you, our daughter Remy was diagnosed with hepatoblastoma (liver cancer) at the age of four months. Remy underwent four chemo cycles, a surgery to remove the liver tumor, and two additional chemo cycles to destroy any remaining cancer cells. We are happy to report she is three years post-chemo and is cured of cancer.

Last year Remy got her first set of hearing aids to correct a hearing loss caused by the chemo drugs. The hearing aids helped her dramatically. Her speech became much easier to understand and her attention span improved. The most important change for the better is that Remy has become a confident young girl with the potential to achieve anything in life.

Once again, we thank the HIKE Fund for granting us this money to help us meet the financial challenges associated with hearing aid purchases. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.

Please share with the HIKE Choir how much we enjoyed their performance. Remy has been signing to music ever since she saw them perform!

Sincerely, Linda, Mike and Remy


Colorado HIKE Presentation June 2005

Just prior to a regular meeting of Bethel #33, Littleton, CO, the five line officers and Bethel Guardian of the Bethel presented a Hike award to five year old Makayla Frank. Her parents, one set of grandparents and a great grandmother all attended the presentation. The Guardian introduced the family and gave a brief description of the history of Makayla's hearing loss and the awesome support she has received from her family members. All are taking classes in sign language and educating themselves on how to understand and be the best support possible for Makayla as she experiences a progressive loss of hearing. The family was very interested in the HIKE program and when told of the HIKE choir, indicated they would like to see the girls perform at their Grand Session. They greatly appreciated the check and were so warm and loving and enthusiastic. It was a very moving experience.




Daughters of Bethel #33, Littleton, CO
Bethel Guardian, and Makayla and family

Thank You Colorado June 2, 2005

The following thank you was received from the parents of a Jack S. Minturn, CO recipient of a HIKE award:

"Dear Job’s Daughters, Jack and our family cannot thank you enough for raising the money to achieve the grant for Jack’s hearing aids. We truly appreciate all the support and effort you put forth to make this possible. You are an amazing group of women who have touched so many hearts, it doesn’t go unnoticed. Jack has his new hearing aids now and seems to love them, what a difference they have made. He is such a happy and optimistic child. We are truly blessed and know he will live the most fulfilled and wonderful life. Sincere thanks to all of you."

Colorado May 26


Members of Rosehill Grange, Commerce City, CO invited the HIKE Choir to perform at their meeting on May 26, which is "Deaf-awareness month" for them. After a delicious pot luck dinner, supplied by Grange members, the HIKE Choir performed sign language to several songs and then four-year old Remy and her parents were presented with a HIKE check. Remy's mother, Linda told them that Remy had been diagnosed with cancer at four months old and the chemo treatment she received caused her deafness. Good news - three years later she is cancer free. The Grange members were so overwhelmed by the story, the adorable child, and the HIKE Choir that they wrote the family an additional check for $100 out of their treasury. There wasn't a dry eye in the room!!!





Remy with Mom Linda and Dad Michael


Elizabeth M., Tiffany W., Evette M., Marylyn H., Cheree T., Dad Michael, Mom Linda, and Remy

Colorado June 2005

Before the regular meeting of Bethel #43, Golden, CO the two HIKE Choir members that belong to Bethel #43 serenaded four year old Garryn with a short Camelot medley. The rest of the Bethel members gathered around and presented Garryn with her "fake check" and with the real thing. Garryn is very shy and did not want her picture taken until she was back home in her own yard.



Virginia April 28


On April 28th at Bethel #24 in Hopewell, VA, the Daughters presented an award to six year old William Elmore. They also gave Will a small gift. Will's mother remarked that everyone was very nice and she was very grateful for the check.