INDIANAPOLIS,
IN: GOHF AT ALDAcon 2011
The
conference for late–deafened adults held in Indianapolis
October 26 – 30th sponsored by ALDA was a smashing
success thanks to the great team of ALDA
members/volunteers who brought it all together. Special
appearances of the famous Scheckter racing cousins Tomas
(GOHF board member) and Jaki (charter GOHF grantee) as
plenary speakers was a special treat for conference
attendees. Their presence at the conference was made
possible by Advanced Bionics.
Tomas and Jaki treated everyone to an autograph
signing/photo op after their talk and were also gracious
in appearing for more of the same during a side tour of
the Indy Speedway Hall of Fame Museum with conference
attendees.
While there Tomas and Jaki were able to meet another
special little guest from Indianapolis, toddler Jake
Wolfe, who was also assisted by the GOHF in getting his
first cochlear implant. Jake developed instant hero
worship as Tomas escorted him personally through the
museum and then he and Jaki posed for pictures with Jake
in a late model race car. Every little boy’s dream.
Tomas presented Jake with a gift of a medi-alert
bracelet, and we have heard from Jake’s Mom that he has
yet to willingly take it off!
Jaki Shechter also took the time to visit other CI users
in the immediate Indianapolis area before he returned to
South Africa. Both Tomas and Jaki look forward to
continuing their support of the CI technology through
their racing opportunities.
|
Tomas, Jaki, Eileen
Jones, and the Wolfes in the car! |
Tomas and Jaki show Jake
the ropes. |
Jaki and Tomas offer Q&A |