By: Jaime Rafferty
The Crusenberry family is made up of dad Tom, Youth Pastor for Yellow Creek Baptist Church, mom Christy a hair stylist, son Tristin and daughter Chaney. But this family has an “adopted” member, Denise Gross, who serves as interpreter for Tristin, who is, without medical intervention, profoundly deaf.
The telling of their story is special in many ways as they recounted their journey for our publication, it was the very first time they shared it with Tristin as Denise interpreted.
Tom and Christy were a couple of years into marriage when they discovered they were pregnant. Christy notes she had a great pregnancy and that baby Crusenberry was very active in the womb, especially during church! Tom counts this as no coincidence, given his ministry.
Both thought Tristin was a girl; they were pleasantly greeted by a beautiful baby boy.
He was two weeks early, born March 11, 2003, and weighed an impressive 9 lbs. 6 oz.
Though not premature, Tristin suffered breathing issues. He was in the NICU for a period of time. Christy said, “God was preparing us for the future.”
Tristin seemed to be progressing very well, after infancy, despite a bout of nasty ear infections. But at 13 months, while lying with Tom and Christy, he sat up and screamed out in pain and then laid back. He needed medical assistance.
Through a series of tests and a spinal tap it was found that Tristin had contracted Bacterial Meningitis. This diagnosis came with a poor prognosis.
A medical team flew from Kosair’s Children’s Hospital to pick up Christy and Tristin and take them where he could receive specialized treatment.
Tom remembers, in the hospital stay, he went for about ten days without seeing the sun, holding vigil by his son’s bed.
They praise Dr. John Houston, their church, family and friends for the physical and emotional care given during this incredibly difficult time. So many special people offered prayer and support that sustained their strength.
About 20 percent of those who battle Meningitis will suffer hearing loss; Tristin would be in that number.
At this news, many hopes and dreams Christy had for her son seemed to fade. Prior to his diagnosis he had begun developing language, that was now lost. She worried she would never feel the joy of her son saying, “I love you.”
Even in adversity, this family showed remarkable tenacity. Tristin would succeed. This became possible, at 15 months as Christy and Tom employed weekly therapies at Wendell Foster’s Campus. He flourished at physical and occupational therapies and was introduced to his speech therapist, Karissa Shelton Riter who, to this day, works diligently with the family to bring Tristin to an even better state of verbal communication.
The Crusenberry’s were not quick to give up faith that Tristin would hear, though proactively they sought interventions that would help.
After trying hearing aids, they decided to see if Tristin qualified for cochlear implants. According to Wikipedia a cochlear implant is “a surgically implanted electronic device that provides a sense of sound to a person who is profoundly deaf or severely hard of hearing.” Cochlear implants are often called bionic ears. Unfortunately there is a relatively small window in which individuals, including Tristin, can receive the implants, which for Tristan was around 18 months. This would be yet another remarkable turning point in his young
life.
Tom and Christy are quick to praise everyone who has contributed to Tristin’s growth, including his academic career at Country Heights Elementary School. They are proud CHES parents.
Now a handsome 9-year-old boy, he is not at a loss for words and comfortably said, “I am okay with being deaf.”
Tristin said the implant that is attached to the side of his head often draws questions. He tells peers and others who inquire, quite simply that it helps him to hear.
This remarkable young man has used his abilities as teachable moments for those who want to know him and understand him better.
Most of Tristin’s friends are hearing. This has posed no challenge into building and maintaining those friendships. In fact he says, “I teach them how to sign.”
He hopes to be a leader some day and just wants to be the same as other kids. Many would disagree and say that he is already set apart in many positive ways.
One of his greatest achievements can be found on the baseball mound, as a pitcher. His skills have been honed by very special hitting and batting coach, Lynn Northern. This year Tristin made the East Daviess County All-Star Team. Tom says in baseball he’s not the “deaf kid,” he’s a pitcher that throws an impressive 50 MPH fastball.
The Crusenberrys smiled with joy as Tristin discussed how he has handled things in his life. He is a wonderful big brother to little sister Chaney, and a gift to parent.
People saw potential that unlocked their child. They feel so blessed and are reminded, had they not faced such as adversity with Tristin, their family wouldn’t know so many amazing people…like Denise Gross, interpreter.
Denise is a humble woman, who wanted Tristin to be the main focus. When Tristin was asked about Denise, he says, “Mrs. Gross helps interpret for me so I can understand.” (All the while Denise is interpreting this conversation.)
Tristin pauses and then says, “She interprets Jesus.”
Christy and Tom were reminded, with tears in their eyes, at that moment, that because of the love and faith of so many that they are victorious in their journey, their son now has the opportunity to know and share the God that has seen them through difficult times.
The Crusenberrys no longer have to wonder if their son will say ‘I love you.’ He now says it, signs it and shows it! Like parents, like son. Tristin is the product of parents and people who are not limited by communication to show their love.