2013_Hearing_Mission_Philippines_December

General Santos, Lipa City, Batangas, Manila

December 2013 Philippines

Typhoon Haiyan struck the Philippines three weeks before our long-scheduled hearing mission was set to take place. For a second after that horrible tragedy, we paused to consider how to help, and we decided that the best thing we could do was go, as planned, to give the gift of hearing to more than 5,000 people. Joined by boxing champion Manny Pacquiao, fresh from his victory in China, and singer Jessica Sanchez, we brought our love and care to more than 6,000 patients.

In his hometown of General Santos, Pacquiao proudly joined the hearing mission team to give back to his local community. He fulfilled two wishes for one young man who got to meet both his hero and receive the gift of hearing.

Excited to be as hands-on as possible with the patients, Sanchez worked and traveled with the team for the entire hearing mission. Her first day on the job she helped reconnect 88-year-old Maria Solis Sogon with her 12 children, 20 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Overwhelmed with gratitude, Maria broke into song to Sanchez's delight. By the end of the hearing mission, it was Sanchez who was moved to song by all of the incredible people and lives she was able to help change. She performed for a captivated audience, giving many of them their first experience of music.

From General Santos to Lipa City to Batangas to Manila, the team was inspired by the resilience of the Philippines. While many may have been knocked down by the impact of Typhoon Haiyan, from what we experienced, their spirit has not been broken. It will not take long for the Philippines to be just as strong, if not stronger than it was before.

Special Thanks

Jessica Sanchez; Edita Bugay; Sanchez; Evelyn Bugay Sanchez; Manny Pacquiao; University of Santo Tomas; Mike Wheeler; Dr. Robert Dean; John Gluchowski; Ninez Arreglado; Bill Schiffmiller

Spread the word:

Give the Gift of Hearing

Help us continue to spread the gift of hearing around the globe and create the next generation of hearing healthcare leaders through the Starkey Hearing Institute, a program of Starkey Hearing Foundation.

DONATE NOW »