Kaila returns a big favour

From: NEWS.com.au, Australia - Aug 19, 2004

Catherine Hockley
August 19, 2004

NARRE Warren South dad Darin Manassa has only one wish for Father's Day.

He wants to hear his daughter, cute little Kaila, utter the magical words "I love you Dad".

Kaila, 5, is hearing impaired and is learning how to speak and communicate at Taralye, Melbourne's oral language centre for deaf children at Blackburn.

"Hearing Kaila say 'I love you Dad' is all I've ever wanted," Darin said.

"The fact that I am now able to hold a conversation with my child is absolutely outstanding."

Kaila, who has been fitted with a Cochlear ear implant, is in a transition group at Taralye in preparation to attend school next year.

From an early age Kaila spent time at Taralye, developing language and communication skills in spite of her hearing impairment.

Now she is returning the favour, selling pens and keyrings for Father's Day on September 5 to raise money for Taralye.

The pens and keyrings are adorned with messages of love for dad.

They are on sale from Big W, Best and Less, Lowes Menswear, MBF, Franklins and Gowings stores.

Herald Sun