Hunter
Walk4Hearing Featured Walker
The Walk4Hearing: A Family Affair
By Cheri Samworth
“Wow! May 18th is finally here.” After several months of planning and committee meetings, the
Dayton/Cincinnati Walk4Hearing finally arrived. Our team, Hunter’s Avengers, was excited to walk in support of Hunter Samworth, my son. He was diagnosed with Bi-Lateral Sensorineural hearing loss at the age of two. The Hearing Loss Association of America’s Walk4Hearing has been a wonderful place for Hunter to meet other children with hearing loss. The Walk brought together people of all ages to help raise awareness of hearing loss in a fun, family-friendly way.
The day of the Walk was exciting and fun. Hunter’s Dad and I arrived early to help setup.
The excitement grew as people started to arrive. Our team was awarded the prize for Top Fundraiser at the 2013 Dayton/Cincinnati Walk4Hearing. What an honor! We all worked very hard to reach our goal of $3,000. Our time was well spent because not only does this money help the Hearing Loss Association of America, but we are also helping Hunter’s classroom at the Horace Mann School next year.
The Walk started at 10am with a ribbon cutting ceremony and there was Hunter, standing at the start ready to go. He took off and with every step he took, I became more proud of him.
After the Walk was complete we all gathered for announcements. The Walk Committee surprised all of the walkers with a performance by students from Hunter’s school, which was led by his teacher. The children signed the song, “Don’t Laugh at Me” by Mark Wills. The song was so appropriate because we are all the same. The whole performance was a family affair. Hunter participated, his Dad sang the song and his uncle played it on the guitar. It was a beautiful moment.
After all of the events were over and people started to leave, a question came to me, “Did we achieve our goal for the Walk?” I can say from my perspective, YES! It was a wonderful time for all; we raised
money for a great cause and helped spread awareness.
I am pleased to be co-chairing next year’s Dayton/Cincinnati Walk4Hearing with Marlene Ferry. I had such a wonderful time this year and want to thank everyone who joined our team and participated.
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