Teen Gets Gift Of Hearing After Family Donates Implant

DENVER (CBS4) - As everyone celebrates and gives thanks this time of year, families, friends and good health often top the list. One Colorado teen got the gift of hearing this year and her family that made it possible.

"I just can't even begin to tell you. This is just the best thing that's ever happened to us," said Janeane Golliher, who donated the hearing implant.

There was not a dry eye in the room as two families met for the first time to give thanks for something many of us take for granted. Daniela Hernandez, 16, received the gift of hearing from the family of now deceased Ann Grotzky.

Hernandez can't hear without a cochlear implant in her ear. Her current implant has seen its fair share of wear and tear making hearing still difficult. A new one would have cost her family around $8,000.

"Mom struggled and struggled for years to hear and she would have been so excited to know that she was going to help someone else be able to hear better," Janeane Golliher said.

Janeane Golliher's mother had the costly cochlear implant device Hernandez needed. Just 3 weeks after receiving it however, she passed away. The expensive device was to Hernandez.

"It means a lot to me because I've always wanted to get a new one but we didn't have enough money," Hernandez said.

"We all loved her very much. It's kind of an emotional day because it's passing on something to someone else that will truly a benefit her life," Doug Golliher said.

"We know how much it would mean to mom to know that she had been able to help somebody," Linda Orme said.

The family watched as their deceased mother's device gave life to another. It's something they can truly be thankful for this holiday.

"It's bringing some closure and some goodness out of the bad things that have happened," Janeane Golliher said.