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KAYSVILLE -- A Davis County community is helping raise money to give a 2-year-old boy a chance to hear.
From the moment he was born, Colton Rosbach has been a fighter. At birth, he weighed one pound three ounces and was in the NICU for three months.
But today, Colton is like any other child his age, except he can't hear very well.
"He is so sweet and kind an very social," said his mother Shelli Rosbach.
It's the right thing to do for him. I have no doubts in my mind.
–Shelli Rosbach
At 2 years old, Colton loves to be outside with his brothers, but he can't hear them calling his name or the laughing as they play.
"When he was about three and a half months old, he failed his hearing screening," said his father Philip Rosbach.
The family later learned that Colton is profoundly deaf with a condition called auditory neuropathy. But on Aug 5, Colton will go into surgery to get cochlear implants to help him hear.
"It's the right thing to do for him," Shelli Rosbach said. "I have no doubts in my mind."
"It can give him access to sound," added Philip Rosbach. "And with lots of therapy, hopefully, he can get to the point where he can communicate, where he can hear -- hear other people talk to him and hold a conversation."
It can give him access to sound. And with lots of therapy, hopefully, he can get to the point where he can communicate, where he can hear -- hear other people talk to him and hold a conversation.
–Philip Rosbach
However, the cochlear implants are not cheap. The family has been told the implants can cost up to $50,000-70,000 each. Colton needs two implants and the family's insurance tops out at $35,000.
"We've heard everything from $80,000-120,000 if you do two ears at the same time," Philip Rosbach said.
Medicaid might be able to help, but it won't be enough to cover the remaining costs of the implants.
Neighbors have helped to organize events to raise money for Colton. They've already held a silent auction and are planning to sell signs, jewelry and treats at the Family Festival in Kaysville Monday.
"It's very special for me to have such wonderful friends who've been so willing," said Shelli Rosbach.
Colton will undergo therapy following the surgery and it could be a while until doctors really know the level of success the implants will have. But either way, the family is looking forward to telling Colton about the people who helped, be it through sign language or speech.
The Family Festival runs from 10 a.m. until just after 10 p.m. at the DATC in Kaysville.
An account has been set up for Colton at America First Credit Union. If you would like to donate, ask for the "Colton Charles Rosbach Charitable Account."
*KSL.com has not verified the accuracy of the information provided with respect to the account nor does KSL.com assure that the monies deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
Email: sdallof@ksl.com
