Eden Prairie, Minnesota
December 2014 USA
After several months traveling around the globe, the team was back home for the second annual hearing mission with the Minnesota Vikings. We’ve seen incredible support from the Vikings over the years — from the players, to the administration, to the ownership — and once again they didn’t disappoint. Long-time supporter Greg Jennings was joined by Harrison Smith, Jasper Brinkley, Charles Johnson, Adam Thielen and Ben Tate to help children and adults in need.
Viktor the Viking, the Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders and former Vikings Matt Blair, Stu Vogit, Joey Browner and Jack Brewer also joined in the fun. Blair even brought fellow Viking alumnus Dave Osborne, who had been struggling with hearing loss, to receive the gift of hearing.
The day also marked a reunion for Bill Austin with a family he’s known across a decade, two countries and three generations. Jose Wilfredo Amaya moved to the U.S. from Honduras in 1994 with his wife. They had four children, including one, Jose Junior, who struggles with hearing loss. Having no access to help, the Amayas enrolled Jose Junior in a school that focused on manual communication, but when they heard about the Foundation, they brought him to see Bill for help. He was first fit at age five and started learning speech.
Jose Junior is now a 15-year-old sophomore who plays varsity football, speaks fluent English and does w ell in the classroom. He came in to see everyone, receive follow-up care and meet the Vikings. Bill also fit him with a new set of hearing aids that will help him communicate as successfully on the football field as in the classroom.
Jose Junior isn’t the only Amaya family member to receive the Foundation’s help over the years, however. In 2013, Bill fit Jose Antonio, Jose Junior’s grandfather, during our hearing mission in Honduras. No matter where they may be in the world, we will continue to ensure this family stays connected for years to come.
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