Local duo scales new heights for hearing-impaired

TWO brave ambassadors, Norma Millar and her best friend, Samantha Antoncich, are set to take on Mount Kilimanjaro with the hope of raising funds and awareness for the Talk Sign Campaign.

The duo will be making their ascent on the highest freestanding mountain in the world, in Tanzania, from 6 to 14 February.
Millar was inspired to attempt the daring feat after witnessing the struggles of her deaf parents. As a result she is very much part of the deaf community and, in turn, passionate about raising awareness for sign language.

“The deaf community is the closest-knit community which I have been exposed to. It is very difficult for people who are deaf to be fully part of a hearing social event, as it is hard to lip read unless someone is facing you squarely.

“So group conversations in a hearing environment are incredibly strenuous and challenging. If more people knew sign language, people who are deaf or hard of hearing would not feel so isolated and lonely in this environment,” explained Norma.

Millar invited Antoncich to join her on the incredible feat, as the duo not only shared a 25-year friendship but also completed the Camel Adventure Challenge together, and, although they were unprepared, they did exceptionally well. Antoncich came on board as and she also feels passionate about the plight of the hearing-impaired after having spent a lot of time with Millar’s parents.

In June last year Millar had a health scare, and the goal to climb Kilimanjaro was intensified for both climbers.

“You just never know what life holds. You have to do the things you want to while you are healthy and able, and, in turn, make as many memories as possible while you can,” she said.

Antoncich is equally excited and said, “I’m looking forward to pushing myself to try to achieve a successful summit, and I am looking forward to doing it with my soulmate friend. If she can conquer cancer, then we can hopefully conquer the mountain.”

All funds raised by the two will go towards the Talk Sign Campaign. The Talk Sign Campaign hopes to raise awareness and funds for the KZN Blind and Deaf Society, and to promote South African Sign Language and raise money through fundraising projects.

The funds will be used to educate and find employment for people who are hearing-impaired.