When I was only five months old, my family and I learned that the world sounds a little different to me than it does to everyone else. It was a big discovery for such a little girl, but I didn't have to navigate it alone.

The amazing doctors and friends at UPMC Children's Hospital and the Friends of the Hearing Center have been cheering me on from the very start. They help me find the best ways to listen, learn, and grow so I can keep discovering all the wonderful sounds around me - from my favorite songs to the laughter of my family.

I'm joining the walk because I want to celebrate how far I've come and help other kids like me get the same amazing care. I might be small, but I have a big heart and a lot of "roar" in me! I'm walking to say thank you to my doctors and to show everyone that having hearing loss is just one small part of my big, beautiful adventure.