Cochlear Celebration 2007

Over 800 Cochlear™ family members attended the second ever Cochlear Celebration 2007 held at the beautiful Westin LaCantera resort in San Antonio, Texas. 

Kaci Koala kicked off the event, hosting an Ice Cream Social to celebrate Cochlear’s 25th birthday. Young and old alike had a great time getting acquainted. There were face painters, balloon artists and, of course, enough ice cream and birthday cake for everyone! Kaci Koala posed for photos with kids and adults for a fun keepsake from the party.

Emotional Opening Session

Cochlear implant inventor Graeme Clark took the audience through the history and development of the multi-channel cochlear implant. Also on hand to share the struggles and challenges in making today’s cochlear implant a reality were the first cochlear implant recipient Rod Saunders and Chief Scientist and first Cochlear employee Jim Patrick. Read More about Professor Clark, Rod Saunders and Dr. Jim Patrick.

Educational Learning Sessions

The next day and a half were packed with helpful, informative learning sessions on a subjects from learning to appreciate music to the secrets to reimbursement success, what to expect from bilateral implants to helping your child succeed in school, the power of advocacy to the challenges of everyday life, and many more. Some of the presenters were Cochlear employees, but most were respected experts from across the country. 

Exciting Interactive EXPO

All Cochlear Celebration attendees had a chance to explore the hands-on EXPO where they could learn everything they needed to know about their cochlear implant. There were exhibits displaying new Cochlear® Freedom™ accessories, a scientist table with real test equipment, a station teaching recipients how to troubleshoot their processors, another station sharing telephone tips, plus many more. There was also a photo opportunity featuring Graeme Clark and 1995 Miss America and cochlear implant recipient Heather Whitestone. 

Celebration-Style Party

The last night of the event, Cochlear Celebration rented SeaWorld. After dinner, guests were invited to ride the roller coasters and see four entertaining shows. The highlight was the new Believe show featuring Shamu and a guest trainer selected from the Cochlear Celebration audience (see story here).  

Inspirational Closing Presentation

Sunday concluded the weekend with the presentation of this year’s Graeme Clark Scholarship winners, a presentation on the future of cochlear implants from Jim Patrick, and a final word from Cochlear