An American Journey

Day 189.

An American Journey

I want to share an interesting story with you, but first please let me preface this. I am NOT advocating either for or against the use of cochlear implants. I know this is an issue that can raise strong feelings. I spent over fifteen years working with/co-directing a children's theater program for deaf and hearing students to work together in creating and performing plays. I have a great respect for Deaf culture. I equally respect the rights of those who choose to use a cochlear implant to try to maximize their hearing of sounds. The heart of what I am sharing today is not about these devices, but rather the spirit of the individual involved and appreciation for seeing a young person who takes a unique initiative to try to make a difference in the world.

Yesterday I was driving down a long stretch of road in a fairly rural area. Pulled over on the opposite side of the road I saw a van marked "Jacob's Ride...Hitting a Home Run for Hearing".

 

I was intrigued and pulled over to look up the website and see what this was about. What I discovered was the story of a young man who had become deaf by the time he was ten years old at which time he had the cochlear implant surgery to help him hear. Now he wants to raise money for causes to help others without hearing who may be wanting access to this kind of surgery. So what is he doing? He's raising funds by raising attention while making a 10,500 mile bike ride across the country with stops at 30 major league baseball stadiums! Read his story...

http://www.jacobsride.com/

I thought his endeavor was really interesting, so I turned around to go back towards the van to stop and say hello. Jacob was not there. The van was being driven by his cousin, Jack. Jack told me he drives about 15 miles ahead of Jacob so he can stop for breaks along his journey. I hoped to have an opportunity to meet Jacob face to face, but I was pressed for time in the middle of the day and unfortunately it appeared that he was too far back to justify the wait. So I just offered my support and encouragement for him as he continues on his journey that started in early April and is slated to take him around the nation and end in Florida in September.

Again, I am not advocating for or against the use of this kind of implant and the device itself isn't even something I can identify as "made in the USA"  (I do not have enough information about the companies who manufacture these devices...perhaps there are some that are made in this country, but I do not know for certain one way or another). However, I think the spirit of this young man is what is truly "American made". I admire his drive and dedication. I also think there are few things as American as a bike ride, a baseball game and a cross country adventure all rolled into one! So even though I didn't get a chance to meet you Jacob, I wish you well on your journey and hope you and Jack have safe travels as you persevere on your ride across America!