Read Xander's story
"When our little boy, Xander, was born, we – like all new parents – were filled with excitement, nerves, and big dreams for the future. Nothing could have prepared us for the news that came just a week later.
"After failing his newborn hearing screening, we were told it was probably nothing to worry about, lots of babies fail the first test. But at his follow-up appointment, we were blindsided when we were told that Xander had profound hearing loss in both ears. There is no history of hearing loss in our family, and the shock was overwhelming. In those first few days, we struggled to process what it all meant for him, and for us. Genetic testing later revealed the cause: a mutation in the Connexin 26 gene, meaning both my husband and I are carriers of the affected gene – something we never knew.
"Despite those early fears, Xander's spirit shone through from the get-go. At just ten months old, he underwent surgery for bilateral cochlear implants. It was a huge leap of faith into a world of sound. Not long after, we first walked through the doors of The Elizabeth Foundation. Since then, every week, we have committed to making the nearly four-hour round trip to attend classes and it’s one of the best decisions we have ever made.
"From those early baby classes with Julie and Emma, through toddler group with Nicky and Lily, and now preschool with Aimeè and Vicky, we have watched Xander blossom. The Elizabeth Foundation’s approach to teaching is simply wonderful – filled with warmth, deep expertise, patience (a lot of it!), and a genuine belief in every child's potential.
"Watching Xander’s speech, confidence and joy develop week by week has been one of the most affirming experiences of our lives.
"But The Elizabeth Foundation has done so much more than just teach Xander. They have championed him, empowered us as parents, and offered unwavering support – ready with practical advice, kind encouragement and, often, a much-needed hug. They taught us to believe not only in Xander’s potential but in ourselves as his greatest advocates.
"A huge part of our journey has been the friendships formed with other families at The Elizabeth Foundation, friendships that will last a lifetime. Meeting other parents and children who truly understand our journey has been life-changing, and it's been so important for Xander to grow up with children just like him in his life.
"There have been so many milestones along the way, but one that will stay with us forever was last year’s Christmas Nativity play. To our amazement, Xander stood up in front of everyone and gave an impromptu solo performance of Jingle Bells. Watching him sing so proudly and so confidently, was one of the most defining moments of his hearing journey. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine witnessing something like that. It’s a moment that captures the pure magic of what The Elizabeth Foundation makes possible.
"Now, as Xander prepares to start mainstream school this September, we look back at this journey with the fullest of hearts. His confidence, his speech, his sense of self, his ability to listen and make sense of sounds – so much of it is thanks to the extraordinary support he, and we, have received at The Elizabeth Foundation. They have transformed our lives in ways that are hard to put into words.
"Leaving The Elizabeth Foundation will be bittersweet, but we will never stop telling their story, championing their work and helping raise the vital funds they need to continue making such a profound difference for families like ours. We will be forever grateful and will look back on our time here with the fondest of memories."
Just like any other child
We have made a video of Xander's time here at The Elizabeth Foundation. You can watch the video on our website here.
Xander's story
"Watching him sing so proudly and so confidently, was one of the most defining moments of his hearing journey. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine witnessing something like that..."
