The Miracle of Hearing, 2024

Dear Fara Foundation Supporters,

This past October month has been nothing short of miraculous, and we are overjoyed to share the powerful impact of our recent Miracle Mission in Nicaragua. In collaboration with the House Institute Foundation, the Fara Foundation worked tirelessly at the Fara Clinic to deliver something truly priceless—the gift of hearing.

Thanks to the expertise and dedication of Dr. Gladys Díaz-García and her remarkable team, many children and adults experienced sound for the very first time in their lives. It was an unforgettable and emotional journey, filled with life-changing moments.

The Miracle Team

A special shoutout goes to our incredible audiologists: Gladys Díaz-García, Reynita Sagon-Alcisto, and Isaac Cooley, whose skill and commitment were central to the success of this mission. These professionals brought joy and hope to so many families, restoring not just hearing, but also a sense of connection to the world.

Our heartfelt gratitude also goes out to Erin O’Donnell, our outstanding organizer, and Jennifer Kissas, a brilliant student in her final year. Jennifer’s planning and leadership ensured that everything ran smoothly, while Erin’s enthusiasm and dedication added immeasurable value to our team. Your contributions were instrumental in making this mission a resounding success.

Meet Elmer

One of the most heartwarming moments of the mission was when Elmer, a 30-year-old man, heard the world clearly for the very first time. Elmer’s journey with hearing loss has been a long one. As a student at a school for the hearing impaired, he and his peers refused to wear the outdated hearing aids they were given. These devices, worn as necklaces with bulky boxes, were stigmatized, and the children preferred to communicate through sign language instead. When Dr. Debra, the original audiologist, visited the school, the students didn’t use the hearing aids. Over time, the other children received updated devices, but Elmer fell under the radar when he left the school, which left him without hearing aids for years.

Now, as an adult working in his community, the return of his hearing has been life-changing. His mother, overcome with emotion, heard her son call her “mom” for the first time. He’s beginning to form words, building his ability to communicate in ways he couldn’t before. For the first time, he is using hearing aids to engage in daily life, and the impact is immeasurable. Elmer’s story is a powerful testament to the life-changing work we do, and it serves as a reminder that none of this would be possible without your continued support.

A Moment with a Young Boy

Christiam Enmanuel Blandon, a 15-year-old boy, heard from both ears for the very first time, thanks to the life-changing gift of an advanced hearing aid called the BAHA. This expensive device allowed him to hear normally, transforming his world in an instant. One of the most unforgettable moments of the mission was watching his face light up with joy as he experienced sound for the first time. His radiant smile spoke volumes about the profound impact of this moment. It’s moments like these that fuel our passion and remind us just how critical our work is. Each connection, each discovery, is a step toward a brighter future.

Moises antonio Flores

Moises, a 14-year-old boy, came to us filled with anger and grief. His mother had left for Costa Rica when he was six to support him, leaving him in the care of his grandparents. Although she returned to build a house, Moises was used to life with his grandparents and didn’t want to move back with her.

Two weeks before his hearing test, his grandmother passed away from a heart attack, deepening his frustration and isolation. Without formal sign language training, Moises couldn’t communicate with the other children and was ready to leave, overwhelmed by his emotions.

His mother stood by the door to prevent him from storming out, and our social worker, Rosibel Blandon, stepped in.

Rosibel is deeply involved in this project, passionate about helping, and has even learned to repair equipment and distribute hearing aid batteries throughout the year. She placed her hand on her heart and his, gently asking him to “do it for me.” An instructor in sign language also convinced him to take the test, and he finally agreed.

The transformation was remarkable. Moises emerged from the test with a smile, his anger replaced with joy. Hearing for the first time brought him not only sound but a renewed connection with his mother and the world around him. It was a powerful moment that reminded us all of the life-changing impact of this work.

A Special Thank You to Our Supporters

When you support the Fara Foundation, you’re not just contributing to a cause—you’re transforming lives. Every effort we make, from medical missions to providing essential services, is made possible through the generosity of donors like you. This past month, your support enabled us to give the gift of hearing to those in need, and we are deeply grateful.

To all our current donors, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Your kindness creates miracles and changes lives, and with your continued support, we know we can reach even more people in need.

Appreciation Videos

To express our gratitude, we’ve created a few special appreciation videos that captures the heart of our mission. Watch as a community comes together, filled with gratitude, to make a lasting difference.

From the entire Fara Foundation and Fara Coffee team, thank you for helping us continue this life-changing work in Nicaragua.

We are immensely grateful for the collaboration with the House Institute Foundation, which not only sent the dedicated team but also provided the incredibly expensive equipment needed to make this life-changing mission possible. Their efforts, driven by passionate fundraising, brought hope and sound to so many in need.

Together, we continue to create miracles for those who need it most.

How You Can Help

Your contributions help us make a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and families. If you haven’t had the chance to donate yet, we invite you to join us. Every donation, whether large or small, brings us closer to offering hope and opportunity to more people like Elmer, a 30-year-old man who heard the world for the first time thanks to our mission. Together, we can open new possibilities for those in need.

Thank you for helping us make a difference.

Get Involved

How you can help Nicaragua’s coffee community