Caring for Our Friends in the Philippines

Over 35 days, four countries and 10 cities, the hearing mission team finished the year strong, fitting more than 12,000 people. Crisscrossing Asia, we brought the gift of hearing to India, Cambodia, China and completed our tour with an impactful, four-city hearing mission in the Philippines.

Typhoon Haiyan struck the Philippines three weeks before our long-scheduled hearing mission was set to take place. For a second after that 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. 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 5,000 people in need.

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.

Happy Holidays!

With the holidays upon us, the team is busy preparing for another year of changing lives, while also spending some quality time with the people we love. From the Starkey Hearing Foundation family to yours, we wish you all love, light and peace this holiday season. Thank you for all you do to support our efforts around the world. May 2014 bring you inspiration and adventure!

As you spend time with your friends and families this holiday season, remember the connecting power of hearing.

Pledge your support today and help us give that same connection to thousands of families around the world in 2014.