Get Ready for the Second Annual Sounds in Kansas City 5K

By D. M. Strauss
Midwest Ear Institute, a division of Saint Luke’s Health System based in Kansas City, is hosting its second annual Sounds in Kansas City 5K Run and Walk to raise funds for its “Ears That Hear” program. The program helps provide hearing aids for children and adults who can’t afford to purchase the devices themselves. Sounds in Kansas City 2010 will take place on Saturday, Sept. 11, at Shawnee Mission Park in Shawnee, Kansas.

“Since last year was our first time putting on a 5K, we were pretty focused on learning the ropes,” said Irwin Herero, development coordinator. “This year, we hope to take what we learned and create a fun event that has meaningful economic impact for our program.”

Through local sponsorships and participant fees, the event has become one of four primary fundraising events for the organization.

Founded in 1980 by Dr. Charles Luetje, M.D., Midwest Ear Institute (MEI) is a regional, not-for-profit audiology clinic dedicated to enhancing quality of life by restoring hearing. In addition to providing hearing and balance testing and hearing aids to patients of all ages, MEI is a nationally recognized Cochlear Implant Center.

Often referred to as a bionic ear, a cochlear implant is an electronic device that, when surgically implanted, provides a sense of sound to a person with profound deafness. In the United States, about half of all cochlear implant recipients are children.

Because many audiology patients are children, it’s only natural that Sounds in Kansas City is a family-friendly event.
“Participation in Sounds in Kansas City is a great opportunity for parents to get the kids outside to enjoy the outdoors before the weather begins to turn cold, and maybe teach them a little something about supporting good causes,” said Shelley Hallier, event participant and mom of three. “The park is a beautiful venue and the work MEI does is tremendously valuable.”

Last year, 140 people participated in MEI’s first Sounds in Kansas City 5K Run and Walk. MEI hopes to double that number in 2010.

“We’d definitely like to see more runners and walkers this year,” said Herrero.

To register for the walk, visit sportkc.org/mei5k2010 or visit MEI on Facebook. Sponsorships are still available. For more information, contact Irwin Herrero at iherrero@saint-lukes.org