A parent's voice is usually the very first sound a baby hears, but when Ireland was born the world was silent. Soon after, audiologists confirmed she had profound deafness. 

Ireland's parents worried about her development but thanks to her medical team at HSC Children's Hospital in Manitoba, at ten months old she was the first infant in the province to have bilateral cochlear implant surgery.

Ireland's cochlear implants allowed her to develop speech and language skills alongside her peers and each day Ireland gets to enjoy the sounds around her is a gift.  Music. Singing. Laughter. Birds. Her parents saying, "I love you."

Now 8 years old, Ireland is a kind and energetic girl who loves gymnastics, singing, birds, cheerleading and being a caring big sister. 

Ireland and her family want to thank donors who support child health research to ensure kids like her receive groundbreaking treatments in hospital.

For Ireland, her message to our community is clear.

"Please help kids like me!"

If you would like to support Ireland you can help by clicking the purple "Make a Gift" button.