Sophia

Sophia has glimmers of memories from her earliest days as a patient at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford. 

“I remember the feeling of being small, but welcomed,” she shares. “Hospitals can be overwhelming, but what I remember the most is feeling cared for.” 

Growing up deaf in a world not always built for her, those moments mattered deeply. At Packard Children’s Hospital, Sophia’s care team didn’t just treat her hearing loss, they made sure she felt understood. 

“They made the effort to communicate with me in ways I could understand, and that meant everything to me,” she says. 

One person in particular has been by her side through it all: her audiologist, Melissa Tribble, AuD. 

“She has been part of my life since I was a baby—I’ve grown up with her,” Sophia says. “Over the years, she didn’t just monitor my hearing; she cared about me as a whole person.” 

From asking about school and sports to celebrating milestones, Dr. Tribble helped transform Sophia’s routine appointments into something more meaningful. Even the space itself became special. 

“My favorite spot at Packard Children’s is the room where I have my hearing appointments. That space became more than just a clinic room, it’s where we shared stories and laughed.” 

It’s this kind of deeply compassionate care that defines Packard Children’s Hospital and Stanford Medicine Children’s Health. And for patients who are deaf or hard of hearing, that level of understanding can be life-changing. 

“They gave me tools, confidence, and support that shaped who I am today,” she says. “Beyond medical care, they helped me see life differently.” 

That support didn’t just help her navigate childhood, it helped her discover her voice. Today, Sophia is a leader, an athlete, and an advocate, determined to change perceptions and open doors for others. 

“Growing up deaf, I often faced a world that wasn’t built for me,” Sophia says. “People doubted what I could achieve, but I’ve learned that I am not behind. I am not limited. I am different—and that difference has become my strength.” 

She carries that mindset onto the softball field, where she hopes to one day play professionally, and into her future career aspirations as an audiologist just like Dr. Tribble, supporting and inspiring the next generation of children. 

“I want to show that being deaf does not limit what we can achieve,” Sophia says. “I want to help deaf children, especially those who may feel ashamed or overlooked, the way I once did.” 

Her journey hasn’t always been easy. But it has been defined by resilience, courage, and a commitment to lead. 

“Bravery isn’t about being fearless,” she reflects. “It’s about standing up even when fear is present. You are redefining what’s possible.” 

Sophia was nominated by our ENT Department to represent Team Earrisitibles at Summer Scamper 2026. Team Earristibles was one of our top fundraising teams last year and rallies around their patients with conditions spanning from hearing loss to microtia, sleep apnea, and serious head and neck conditions. She is excited to use her Patient Hero platform to advocate for others, including her two younger siblings who also have hearing loss. 

“I want to show that deaf athletes are capable, determined, and ready to make a difference—not just in sports, but in life.” 

And she knows she didn’t get here alone. She is deeply grateful for donors who support Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford and young people like her.  

“Your support changes my life in a way you may never fully see,” she says. “Because of you, children like me receive not just medical care, but encouragement and opportunities. You’re investing in futures.” 

Please join us on Sunday, June 21, to cheer on Sophia and all of our 2026 Patient Heroes, and to make a difference for children’s health in our community and beyond.