Peer to Peer Fundraising – A Labor of Love

Alyssa Stirpe, a nurse and mother of two, had an idea of what lay ahead when she discovered her child had hearing loss—after all, she herself has bilateral hearing loss and wears hearing aids in both ears. But what she didn’t expect was the incredible support her family would find at Listen and Talk. New resources, unavailable during Alyssa’s childhood, were now at her disposal to help her children thrive. Through the Birth to Three program, led by Kim Hamren, Alyssa and her family received life-changing guidance and care.

Grateful for the impact Listen and Talk had on her family, Alyssa decided to pay it forward in a meaningful way. As the founder of Juniper Beach Candle Co., a brand known for its eco-friendly, beach-inspired candles, she launched a campaign to donate a portion of every purchase to Listen and Talk. For Alyssa, it’s more than just giving back—it’s a way to ensure other families get the same support that made such a difference in her own life.

Alyssa’s generosity is just one example of how families are choosing to ensure that no child is limited by hearing loss even after their child moves on into the life they were meant to live. 

Read on to learn what Alyssa has to say about her experiences with Listen and Talk’s programs.

How did you become aware of Listen and Talk’s services?

“We were introduced to Listen and Talk through Seattle Children’s audiology department shortly after our son Myles was diagnosed with a sensorineural hearing loss as a newborn. They referred us to Listen and Talk’s Birth to Three program, which quickly became an essential resource for our family.” 

Listen and Talk’s vision is no child is limited by hearing loss. How has that vision made a difference in your family?

“That vision truly comes to life in our home. Myles is thriving in preschool alongside his hearing peers and loves participating in his weekly gymnastics class. He communicates confidently, engages easily with others, and has developed a strong sense of self. As both a parent and someone with hearing loss myself, it’s incredibly meaningful to see him grow without the limitations I once feared. Listen and Talk has empowered Myles—and our entire family—with tools, strategies, and ongoing inspiration.”

 What has Listen and Talk offered to your family and how has this helped your child?

“Myles was born in 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when access to resources was limited. Listen and Talk offered us guidance and support we may not have found otherwise. They provided expert, one-on-one services for Myles, along with education and reassurance for us as parents. They helped us understand the importance of consistent hearing aid use, taught us how to support his language development, and guided us every step of the way. Their team became a cornerstone of our early journey, giving Myles a strong foundation for communication.”

What is the most important thing you have learned by having your child receive services from Listen and Talk?

“The most important thing we’ve learned is that hearing loss does not define Myles or limit his ability to thrive alongside his hearing peers. With early intervention services and access to specialized medical care, children who are deaf or hard of hearing can succeed in every aspect of life. That understanding has profoundly shaped how we advocate for Myles.”

How would you or your child describe your time at Listen and Talk?

“Our time at Listen and Talk was warm, empowering, and transformative. It’s a place where we felt understood, supported, and encouraged—where Myles was celebrated for who he is, and where we gained the knowledge and confidence to support him fully.”

 Why should people support Listen and Talk?

“People should support Listen and Talk because their work truly changes lives. They help children find their voices and equip families with the tools needed to support that journey. Their vision promotes a more inclusive world, and their impact extends far beyond the individual child—it transforms entire families and communities. Our journey would have looked very different without their support, and we are forever grateful.”

 You created a fundraiser for Listen and Talk using your own creativity and your company. Can you tell us a little bit about how you came to the decision to do this?

“Giving back to Listen and Talk was a natural choice. Not only am I deeply connected as a parent, but my career as a registered nurse also influenced this decision. I strongly believe in early intervention and equitable access to care. Using my creativity and professional platform to support an organization that has given so much to my family is one of the most meaningful things I could do.”

 Alyssa’s final comments summarize how meaningful the services provided by Listen and Talk can be for families: 

“Listen and Talk provides more than just services—they create a safe, empowering community. As both a parent and a person with hearing loss, I feel seen, supported, and uplifted by their team. Their work brings hope, confidence, and a sense of belonging to families like mine. We are proud and grateful to be part of their mission.”

Please consider buying Juniper Beach Candle Co. merchandise and support Listen and Talk at the same time. This peer to peer fundraising activity is just one of many ways that the community can support Listen and Talk. 

At Juniper Beach Candle Co., every candle you purchase brings the warmth and tranquility of the Washington Coast into your home—while also making a meaningful difference.

Through their partnership with Listen and Talk, they  proudly donate $1 from every purchase to Listen and Talk in support of their Give the Gift of Listening and Spoken Language campaign. These donations help provide essential resources for children who are deaf or hard-of-hearing, empowering them and their families on their journey to develop listening and spoken language skills.

This cause is especially close to our hearts as our family has personally benefited from the incredible services of Listen and Talk. Light a candle. Spark a conversation. Make a difference. Together, we can create a world where no child is limited by hearing loss.