One-on-one with David Backes

The excitement of the NHL season is almost upon us! However, during the off-season, St. Louis Blues superstar David Backes joined us in Nairobi, Kenya to help give the gift of hearing. We sat down with him to talk about the very personal meaning of his first hearing mission and his dedication to helping to make the world a better place.

How were you first introduced to Starkey Hearing Foundation?

I first heard about Starkey Hearing Foundation in college when my wife, Kelly, had sudden sensorineural hearing loss, and we went to a few audiologists in Mankato while we were going to school. We were referred to the Starkey Center for Excellence where we got to meet Bill Austin and see the great work that he does. He was able to fit her with an amazing aid that no one ever sees. It’s tucked deep into her ear and amplifies the sound so that she can live a healthy, happy, normal life. 

You joined us on your first hearing mission in Kenya. What was that experience like for you?

To get to go to an amazing place like Nairobi, Kenya, to see those faces light up when we were able to fit them with hearing aids, the whole experience was just more than we could ever have imagined. It was very rewarding; we were able to give back to humanity and to make the world a better place. The team there was amazing to work with. Bill and Tani Austin worked like machines from the time they got up to the time they went to bed and have really been an inspiration for Kelly and me.

What was your favorite part of the experience?

Being able to do this great work alongside my wife, see the way she interacts with the children and really has a huge heart, has really been my favorite portion of it. When I wanted to take a break or go grab lunch, she just kept on going and was really energized—we were both energized by this work, and it was really rewarding.

I also see a few similarities between the people that we fit and me. These people are vibrant, and they want to do something that’s great in the world. They’ve been inflicted, whether it’s been through malaria medication or any other medication or something at birth. We are giving them a chance to be very productive and learn and communicate and get connected back in with society.

How else do you give back?

My wife and I have actually started our own foundation called Athletes for Animals, through which we pair professional athletes up with animal welfare and animal adoption organizations that are in cities that they’re playing in or living in. They magnify and amplify the work that’s being done by those organizations.

What advice do you have for young people looking to have an impact?

It takes someone who is compassionate. When you have that passion, one person with just a little gumption and drive can make a difference in this world.