Returning the Gift of Hearing

Mary Taylor’s friendship with the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary began four decades ago, when at the age of 19 she began to rapidly lose her hearing.  Thanks to Mass. Eye and Ear physicians, who performed several middle ear surgeries throughout her life, Mary’s hearing was restored.  To express her gratitude for a lifetime of sound, Mary recently rewrote her will to give a gift of her own to the Mass. Eye and Ear.  “I felt in my heart that this was a wonderful personal thing I could do,” Mary said.  “I felt very good doing it.”

As a young woman, Mary’s life was greatly affected by her hearing loss.  Eager to communicate with her peers and co-workers, Mary wore a hearing aid for a little while, but found herself terribly self-conscious and uncomfortable.  She was determined to find help.  “I learned of Dr. King Lewis who was pioneering an operation to help people with otosclerosis, the middle ear condition that I suffered from.  My first reaction after the operation was that everything was so loud!  I was very happy with the Mass. Eye and Ear and the care I received,” she said.

Mary had a stapedectomy operation on her other ear six years later and continued to do extremely well.  Her final surgery was 15 years ago, and her hearing has remained excellent since.  About that time, Mary’s mother also became a patient.  She was suffering from glaucoma and an ocular tumor that left her in a great deal of pain. “I knew the Mass. Eye and Ear was the best hospital in the world to help her, so I brought her here,” said Mary.  “I was greatly relieved when they eased her pain, allowing her to enjoy the remaining years of her life.”

Mary’s friendship with the Mass. Eye and Ear has grown over the years.  “Each year I made sure to send a few dollars to the Mass. Eye and Ear.”  In response to being asked why she took the step to remember the Mass. Eye and Ear in her will, Mary said, “I’m all for doing things of meaning.  Just doing it was my reward.  It felt great.”

Upcoming Events

Celebrate with Mass. Eye and Ear and be part of our Sense-ation Gala! The event will be held on October 13 to benefit our Cures for Kids Fund. To learn more click here. 

The Reynolds Society

Join Today: Become a member of the Reynolds Society by making annual gifts totaling $2,500 or more to support the hospital, your physician, or a specific research area. Find out how to join here.

A Little Better

Estate Planning? When planning your estate, please remember Mass. Eye and Ear. Your plans today will help build a better tomorrow for people everywhere.