Boy Deafened, Blinded Learns Ways To Communicate
by Associated Press
January 13, 2013 9:47 AM
A 3-year-old Rapid City boy is learning how to communicate after a life-threatening battle with meningitis left him blind and deaf.
Sandy Kenrick says her son Liam is lucky to be alive after surviving the disease, which is an inflammation of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord. The community has rallied around the family, donating diapers and offering support.
The toddler works with a team of educators from the Rapid City school district and is learning sign language.
Liam underwent a cochlear implant in April, but the surgery failed. Sandy and her husband, Casey Kenrick, hope to try one more medical procedure in hopes of restoring Liam's hearing.
