Miss-Delectable
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Born-deaf racer inspires kids like him | London | News | London Free Press
His words were inspirational for children, who like him, would hear nothing if not for surgically implanted devices that provide a sense of sound to people who are deaf.
Kris Martin was born profoundly deaf, but thanks to the cochlear implant and his own determination he became a race car driver and a role model to deaf children who gathered to meet him Saturday at the Western Fair's Agriplex for the CPT Racing Experience.
"It's my turn to give back," Martin said as kids gawked at his black race car. "I'm teaching kids how their dreams can come true."
His efforts were appreciated by London parents who brought their children to meet him.
"It gives (our son) Nathan someone to look up to," said Jeff Wyllie, whose nine-year-old son received an implant at age two, early enough that both his hearing and speaking skills are almost indistinguishable from any child his age.
That was also the feeling of France Riviere-Quintanilla, who has two sons with implants - Marco is nine and Ricky is 11.
"This is pretty cool. He has an implant like me," Ricky said.
His words were inspirational for children, who like him, would hear nothing if not for surgically implanted devices that provide a sense of sound to people who are deaf.
Kris Martin was born profoundly deaf, but thanks to the cochlear implant and his own determination he became a race car driver and a role model to deaf children who gathered to meet him Saturday at the Western Fair's Agriplex for the CPT Racing Experience.
"It's my turn to give back," Martin said as kids gawked at his black race car. "I'm teaching kids how their dreams can come true."
His efforts were appreciated by London parents who brought their children to meet him.
"It gives (our son) Nathan someone to look up to," said Jeff Wyllie, whose nine-year-old son received an implant at age two, early enough that both his hearing and speaking skills are almost indistinguishable from any child his age.
That was also the feeling of France Riviere-Quintanilla, who has two sons with implants - Marco is nine and Ricky is 11.
"This is pretty cool. He has an implant like me," Ricky said.