16th ANNUAL EARLY HEARING DETECTION & INTERVENTION MEETING
February 26-28, 2017 • Atlanta, GA
EHDI FAMILY LEADERSHIP AWARD
Robin Hosely
I am nominating Robin Hosley for this prestigious award. Robin is the mother of 3 children, two of whom are deaf: Tanner, age 15 and Luci, age 11. Both Tanner and Luci now have bilateral implants. The Hosley family was one of the families who benefited from newborn hearing screening soon after it was implemented in North Carolina.
Robin has become a role model across North Carolina and the U.S. as her family's story was the first to be filmed by The CARE Project when it began in 2009. Robin shared a raw emotional story of the birth of their twins and the journey they have been on. As Robin made progress with grief, she began to participate as a mentor parent in local and statewide gatherings for families. Over the past 8 years, Robin and her family have become a part of the partnership with The CARE Project, NC EHDI and other organizations in North Carolina. She takes the time to phone newly diagnosed families, meet for lunch/coffee with parents who are earlier on their journeys and does public speaking on behalf of families with children who are deaf and hard of hearing. She is a true inspiration.
I asked Robin to write about her background and here is a part of that document:
"I wear many hats, first and most importantly I am a mom, a mom of hearing impaired children & wife, but also, the breadwinner of my family, advocate for MY CHILDREN with everyday life and lastly an advocate for the deaf and hard of hearing within my NC community. When Tanner was born in 2002 there was not an organization that provided us emotional support and resources. And through a family member I was introduced to The CARE Project founder, Dr. Johnnie Sexton. After my husband and I were interviewed for The CARE Project video documentary I knew from that point that I was a part of something special. From that day forward my family has been blessed as the "first" family of The CARE Project.
I am on The CARE Project gala committee and have been since it began 6 yrs. ago. While I have been involved in many aspects of the gala, the following are a few responsibilities I have had within the past 6 years: gala development, auction lead & committee, decorating and advertising, marketing and volunteering. In addition, I am also a mentor parent involved with the toddler and teen (most recently) retreats. I have been responsible for the moms group during the retreats and we discuss challenges, tips of the trade, and help to trouble shoot for issues at schools/communities. Also, I have been involved in childcare, and an assistant in the kitchen.
Spending time with my family, my CARE Project family and the mentor families that I have met through The CARE Project is priceless. I hope my own children will be a part of making The CARE Project to a whole new level!"