Bend boy’s hearing device stolen from car

Someone broke into a Bend woman’s car last week and stole a device that is unique to her son and has no value to anyone else.

Lindsi Beard’s son, Kobe, was born deaf and relies upon a hearing device called the cochlear implant.

Beard noticed on Friday morning that her car was broken into and someone stole her Bluetooth, car charger and more importantly, her son’s implant.

Kobe has an internal piece that was surgically implanted four years ago; the implant sends signals to the brain for hearing.

Kobe has a backup implant device, but if that one breaks he will have to go without hearing.

The mother says having a child go without hearing is pretty traumatic.

“I don’t care the reason, why or what you needed — if you could just return it, that would be helpful to us,” Beard said Sunday. “You can return it to my doorstep. You can return it to Bend PD. You can do it anonymously. I don’t need to know the whole story — I just want it back.”

Bend police said they don’t have any leads as of yet, but if you know who or have any information, you are asked to contact Bend police.

The device costs $7,600 to replace and health insurance doesn’t cover it.

Kobe isn’t eligible for an upgrade for another year.

Family members said those wishing to help pay for a replacement can contribute to an account set up in Kobe Beard’s name at OnPoint Community Credit Union.