Welcome to the BIG Website!

Sue Wantuck
BIG President

Welcome to the Buffalo Implant Group (BIG) website. My name is Sue Wantuck and I am the new President of the organization. I am a teacher of the Deaf at St. Mary’s School for the Deaf. I was born Deaf and wore a hearing aid all my life. Two years ago, I lost my residual hearing and found myself lost. I was told that I was a candidate for a cochlear implant and spent many hours researching, thinking, and discussing my choices. It was a difficult decision to make, but I finally decided to get an implant and chose the Cochlear America Nucleus 5. I have been a CI user for almost two years now. It has been a challenging and rewarding journey. I continued to improve my auditory and communication skills everyday. I am happy with my decision.

BIG is a wonderful organization made up of CI recipients, friends, family members and area professionals. I reached out to the group when I was looking for help, support and education. I appreciated all the advice, personal stories and experiences that the members provided me. I also am thankful for the relationships I have built and friends I have gained.

If you are a current CI recipient, thinking about getting a CI, friend, family member of someone with a CI, or area professional who works with Deaf/Hard of hearing children/adults, please consider becoming a member. Members are invited to attend meetings and also receive our informative and user-friendly newsletter. We also have an annual summer picnic that is truly a fun time! I encourage you to join and become a BIG member. The cost is $15.00 per year.

If you want to learn more about the organization please browse our website. Feel free to contact us with any questions/concerns. If you would like to reach me personally my email address is suewantuck@gmail.com . I look forward to hearing from you and seeing all past, present and new members at the next BIG event. Smiling!!

Happy and Better Hearing!!!

Sue Wantuck