The strength of the bond between siblings is hard to define. The love we feel for our brothers and sisters is unconditional, and in some cases, truly inspiring to others. Brother and sister Derek and Kelley Dwyer are an example of inseparable siblings who would do anything to help each other.

As you may already know if you spend time with us here on the blog or on Facebook or Twitter, our friends at Ear Community, a 501c3 nonprofit organization, help people born with Microtia and Atresia, which results in hearing loss. Through donations, they provide equipment and services to help those suffering from these limitations to gain a greater ability to hear and communicate with others.

Ear Community recently shared the story of Derek Dwyer and his sister Dr. Kelley Dwyer. Derek Dwyer is a 22-year-old computer engineering and graphic design major at Gwinnett Technical College. He’s a passionate fan of music and technology. The youngest of three siblings, Derek was born with Nager Syndrome and bilateral Microtia and Atresia. Microtia and Atresia have contributed to hearing loss for Derek, making it difficult to listen in lectures and communicate with others in school.

His sister, Dr. Kelley Dwyer recently graduated with her doctorate in Audiology and serves as a pediatric audiologist at Pediatric ENT of Atlanta. She has studied and worked tirelessly to help her brother, who serves as a source of motivation to her. “Derek has been my biggest inspiration in life…he defies the expectations of a special needs person and knows no boundaries to his capabilities.”

After discovering Ear Community and the opportunity for equipment that would assist her brother in his transition into college life, Dr. Dwyer applied. “Derek never asks for anything, so I am going to ask for him.”

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On September 19, 2014, Dr. Dwyer fit her brother with two new Oticon Medical Ponto Plus processors with the Ponto Streamer. Joining Derek in his fitting were his older brother, Devin, and their mom, Lynda. Dr. Dwyer was proud to fit him with his new Oticon Medical processors and streamer knowing that this will change his life forever and help him excel in college and in life.

“Derek LOVES the processors and streamer! We will likely get him the remote mic for Christmas to use during his college lectures. I really feel that this will make a big difference in his social and school capabilities,” Dr. Dwyer says.

“Ear Community is happy to have been able to help Derek hear better. No adult or child should ever have to struggle with learning in school, says Melissa Tumblin, Founder of Ear Community. “It’s important for Ear Community to help individuals like Derek. We have so many bright individuals in our world and to find out when someone is struggling with their hearing is very disappointing. Individuals like Derek can be so much more if they are only given the opportunity to hear better with a hearing device…it can be life changing.”

The perseverance of Dr. Kelley Dwyer and her brother Derek is an inspiration to us all and something we can learn from. Interested in meeting people like Derek? Join the conversation on Facebook or Twitter.

Interested in learning more about the products Derek uses? Here’s where you can learn more about the Ponto Plus and Ponto Streamer. If you’re interested in talking to us about getting your own Ponto, contact us today!