Key Takeaways
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Peyton Schwadron, 16, organized a padel fundraiser called Serve for Sound
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The event raised $10,000 for the Debbie Institute and the SAM Fund
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Donations will support children with hearing loss through education and cochlear implant services
Inspiration from music and film
Peyton Schwadron, a high school student and passionate music lover, was inspired to act after watching the 2021 film CODA. “Music is such an important part of my life, and it’s so special to me. Why don’t I try to help?” she said. This motivation led her to connect with the Debbie Institute at the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine, where she began volunteering.
Volunteering at the Debbie Institute
The Debbie Institute has supported children with hearing and language challenges for over 50 years. Lynn Miskiel, director of audiology services, explained: “The programs at the Debbie Institute provide appropriate, intensive intervention that supports auditory learning and the language and speech that follows.” Schwadron joined the Auditory Oral Education Program, which serves about 100 students annually, and soon decided to make a larger impact through fundraising.
Organizing Serve for Sound
Schwadron chose padel, a sport her family enjoys, as the centerpiece of her event. Held in November 2025 at Reserve Padel’s Miami Seaplane location, the fundraiser attracted about 75 participants across men’s, women’s, and children’s tournaments. Despite the stress of balancing schoolwork and event planning, she described the process as “a great learning experience.”
Impact of the fundraiser
The event raised $10,000, split between the Debbie School and the Sharing Auditory Miracles (SAM) Fund. The SAM Fund helps maintain a bank of cochlear implant parts, reducing delays for children who might otherwise wait months for replacements. “That’s 90 days of a kid not hearing, or being able to do everyday activities, just because a part broke,” Schwadron explained.
A continuum of care
Together, the Debbie School and the Children’s Hearing Program provide comprehensive support, from hearing evaluations and technology to specialized education. Miskiel emphasized the importance of donors: “The generosity of donors like Peyton gives us the freedom to make things special, or to bring in a piece of equipment that we might not have had otherwise.” Early intervention, she added, can help children progress at age-appropriate rates despite hearing loss.
Looking ahead
