When Leigh's grandchildren Camden and Fiona were born profoundly deaf, their family's journey with cochlear implants became a source of inspiration. Watching both children build confidence and embrace their differences led Leigh to create a series of children's books celebrating deafness, inclusion and the possibilities of life through hearing technology. Read how Camden and Fiona's real-life experiences inspired children’s stories that help educate and empower others:
“Let me introduce myself. I am the very proud Nana of five grandchildren, two of whom were born profoundly deaf. Camden and Fiona are deaf but have received the gift of cochlear implants. Both received their cochlear implants at young ages and today thrive as any other child would!
A classroom presentation that sparked a book
When Camden (now 13 years old) began Kindergarten, he volunteered to show and tell about his deafness and his cochlear implants (CIs). It still amazes me that a little boy of his age decided to speak to a new class even though he had been nervous about being the only deaf child in the school. Yet he volunteered to stand up in front of his class and bring attention to himself! He bravely spoke about his deafness and his cochlear implants! I was a wonderfully proud Nana.
I decided I had to write a book about Camden. Writing is in my blood having been a freelance writer for years but my love and pride for him took over and my desire to write this book overwhelmed me. Five years after I wrote Camden and His Superpower Ears Go to a New School a publisher accepted my book for publication. I dusted off the cobwebs and a year later I held my first book ‘baby’ in my arms. Camden was thrilled.
Sports, music and breaking down barriers
Camden received his cochlear implants at a young age1 and has thrived! Deafness doesn’t stop him and his CIs allow him to go for it! He has played every sport imaginable including swimming, soccer, basketball, flag football and baseball! He loves to be active. He is also a musician playing the drums piano and guitar. He is also the percussionist in his school band.
Nothing is beyond his reach – he even won a contest for his speech (State of Georgia Communication Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in 2024) entitled, ‘Changing the World with Optimism!’
His drive to play sports gave me the impetus to write my second book, Camden and His Superpower Ears and A Superpower Team!”
He taught his teammates what it is like being deaf and how his CI’s give him the incredible ability to hear. Camden wore a headband to keep his superpower ears (his CIs) in place while playing and it worked out great.
When Camden and a female friend joined a local youth basketball team, they taught the important lesson of acceptance to their teammates. Being deaf does not define a person’s abilities. The team learned that each of us is different and uniquely special and valuable! Camden heard all the coach’s plays and assignments to the team. In fact, Camden and Lenox were strong powerful players and they led their team to victory!
When Camden was 5 years old, the family welcomed his little sister, Fiona, a beautiful little girl, who is now 7 years old! Fiona was born profoundly deaf. She received her cochlear implants at a young age and discovered the world of sound. She and Camden began learning American Sign Language (ASL) and, with their CIs, the world was their oyster! They are bilingual!
Fiona’s hearing journey and love of performance
Fiona started to attend school. That first year there was a student talent show for parents and guests. She bravely took the stage and signed using ASL while listening to the music of ‘What a Wonderful World.’
A young girl on the stage all by herself being proud of her deafness and her CIs! Another book was born! The Celebration of Fiona and Her Superpower Ears is about Fiona’s journey while dealing with the challenges of being deaf and the wonderful power of cochlear implants. Fiona loves to run, do gymnastics, swim, dance, sing and perform. She also uses pretty headbands to help keep her sound processors and magnets in place. She teaches us that the profound strength of acceptance can bridge any gap. Fiona, too, is so happy about ‘her’ book!
My series is complete! From our family’s perspective, cochlear implants are a wonderful addition and blessing for Camden and Fiona as the hearing solutions enable them to reach their dreams and potential.
They surprise me all the time with their confidence and ability to overcome challenges. I look forward to seeing what their future holds for them. It certainly is a Wonderful World!”
If you have a family member or child that is experiencing hearing loss cochlear implants may be a solution that can help, just like with Camden and Fiona. Learn about Cochlear’s hearing solutions today.
- In the United States and Canada, the Cochlear Nucleus Implant System is approved for use in children 9 to 24 months of age who have profound sensorineural hearing loss in both ears and demonstrate limited benefit from appropriate hearing aids. Children 2 years of age or older may demonstrate severe to profound hearing loss in both ears.
