Cool Kid Amanda Cerreta offers support to deaf

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Our ABC7 Cool Kid for Thursday, Aug. 7, is Amanda Cerreta, who has turned her health challenges into a way to help others who are facing the same problems.

Because early hearing loss gave her a unique perspective, she's now able to truly understand what other kids may be going through.

Amanda faced a big challenge when she was just a baby, she lost her hearing because of bacterial meningitis.

When she was a little older, doctors fitted her with a cochlear implant to help her hear. But, in spite of everything, she faces life with a positive outlook.

"I feel confident. I'm a happy person with what I have, I'm good with it and people should be too," Amanda said.

But Amanda wanted to do more. So, she volunteers her time at the John Tracy Clinic, talking to parents with children who've been newly diagnosed with deafness.

"I like telling them about what happened to me and it gives them hope that everything will be fine," Amanda said.

She also speaks to children and peers who are experiencing the very same things she's gone through.

"They can't be nervous and they can't doubt themselves because in the future, it'll be OK, even if they think don't think it will be," Amanda said.

A big part of her message? Coping with emotions and supporting family members.

"I want parents to feel good about their kids. I want them to not be upset or worried about anything," Amanda said.

Amanda is a confident Cool Kid who is an inspiration to adults and their children.