From Tragedy, a Legacy Forms

Former UHealth pediatric ear care patient Julia Martinez and family memorialized Julia’s godparents by launching a fundraiser to support the Children’s Hearing Program.

Julia Martine and Ricardo Rovirosa
Julia Martinez with her godfather, Richard Rovirosa

A child with hearing loss, a loving uncle and aunt and an unfathomable tragedy.

All came together for a bittersweet, generous gift to the Children’s Hearing Program (CHP) at the UHealth — University of Miami Health System Ear Institute.

In 1995 Julia Martinez was diagnosed with severe-to-profound deafness at 1 year old. The family immediately went to the Ear Institute. Julia was fitted with hearing aids, attended an early intervention program for speech therapy and started preschool.

But her progress stalled.

“Julia came to a point at age 4 where she was stagnant. She wasn’t speaking a lot and we knew we had to do something,” remembered Julia’s mother, Natalie Martinez. “At that time, UM didn’t do bilateral implants, so we decided to undergo the procedure in one ear.”

It would be another 10 years before Julia received a cochlear implant for her other ear.

“I had always heard from one ear essentially for 10 years, and then, you know, I hit eighth grade, an awkward teenage girl feeling left out by friends, the whole teenager angst,” explained Julia. “And I kind of just had it and was like, ‘Mom, can I go ahead and get the second one?’ We had talked about that but she never really pushed me.”

Now 29, Julia holds a Master’s degree in mental health counseling and works at a local practice.

Family Support Proved Crucial

Throughout her journey into the hearing world, the one constant was the love and support of her large family, especially her mother’s brother, Richard Rovirosa, and his wife, Maria Teresa, Julia’s godparents. 

“My brother and I were only a year apart, so he was like my twin. And I leaned on him a lot as we went through the entire implant process with Julia,” said Natalie. “Cochlear implants were costly when Julia got her first one, and they were not covered by insurance, so my brother also helped financially, as well as emotionally. His daughters were the same age as Julia, so they all had a very close and special bond.”

Ricardo and Maria Teresa Rovirosa
Maria Teresa and Richard Rovirosa

Julia recalled Memorial Day in 2021, when she spent the holiday weekend at Richard’s and Maria Teresa’s oceanfront condo in Surfside.

“We had a great weekend,” Julia said. “It was just us three. We went to dinner, hung out at the beach and had a great time. One night, they went to their house in South Miami to have dinner with friends and my aunt asked if I would be OK in the condo alone. I was like, ‘This is heaven for me.’ But it would be the last night I ever felt comfortable in an apartment without my hearing devices.”

Three weeks later, the south tower of Surfside’s Champlain Towers collapsed, killing 98 people, including Julia’s uncle and aunt. Some survivors described hearing loud noises before the collapse, allowing them to escape in time.

“Sleeping with my cochlear implants in is the worst,” explained Julia. “But because I lived in a Brickell highrise after it happened, I had so much anxiety living there. I started sleeping with my hearing devices in so I could hear if anything happened. It was rough for a very long time.”

Honoring Her Godparents’ Memory

The family struggled with honoring the memory of Richard and Maria Teresa. Natalie wanted to do something with her family. After much soul searching, they decided to make a gift in their name to support the CHP.

“Even though the program did not exist when Julia was treated, she still received all her services from the Ear Institute,” said Natalie. “As Julia’s godparents, my brother and his wife were very proud of her accomplishments. The UHealth Ear Institute was a huge contributor to Julia’s success, and this gift memorializes my brother and his wife while giving back to another child who can benefit from wonderful services provided at the facility.”

Julia Martinez , Ricardo Rovirosa and Maria Teresa Rovirosa
Julia, Richard and Maria Teresa

During her 17 years as Julia’s audiologist, Sandra Velandia, Au.D., has seen firsthand the difference Julia’s close family bonds have made in her success.

“Over the years, I have observed Julia’s remarkable growth into an independent adult, adorned with numerous talents and strong values,” said Dr. Velandia, an assistant professor of clinical otolaryngology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. “I take immense pride in her accomplishments, which stand as a testament to the unwavering support of her loving family as well as her own dedication, commitment and resilience. Julia and her family serve as an inspiration to others navigating difficult moments in life.”

Founded in 2013, the CHP is the only program of its kind in Florida. CHP experts provide medical care, hearing evaluations, rehabilitation, speech therapy and psychological and educational support to thousands of children and families each year. CHP takes a holistic approach to hearing care, recognizing that providing a hearing device alone is not enough to support children with hearing loss in developing speech and language.

These services are often not covered by insurance and are inaccessible to many families in need. Philanthropic support from the community is crucial in ensuring children receive the comprehensive care they need.

Support CHP


Tags: Children's Hearing Program, cochlear implants