Walking for What’s Possible: Chase’s Story

As a newborn, Chase failed his hearing screening and his family quickly learned he had severe to profound hearing loss. After receiving cochlear implants just two months before his first birthday, Chase and his parents began a journey filled with questions, but also hope, that ultimately led him to Clarke. 

At Clarke, that hope turned into something far greater. With support from dedicated teachers and early intervention services, Chase has grown into a confident, curious child. 

“Clarke means everything to our family,” says Chase’s mom, Justine. “Not only have the teachers and staff given him a great jump start in his education, they’ve also taught him all about his cochlear technology. He loves telling people about his ‘ears.’” 

For his mom, those moments are everything. She remembers a time when she wasn’t sure she would ever hear his voice. One early teacher reassured her, “One day you’re going to look at him and think, do you ever stop talking?” Today, hearing Chase speak and sing brings overwhelming joy and serves as a powerful reminder of just how far he has come. 

Now in his final year of preschool at Clarke, Chase and his family are giving back by participating in the Listening Walk at the Zoo with their team, “Hear for Chase,” surrounded by the same community that has supported them since day one.