18-month-old hears mom's voice for first time

ELON, North Carolina (WPVI) -- Yesterday was a magical day for a toddler in North Carolina.

Stacy Westbrook clapped her hands several times in front of her daughter Laken's face, then said, "Did you hear Mommy clapping?"

As she did. Laken looked at her and a big smile spread across the 18-month-old's face.

That was the scene as Laken heard her first sounds as her new cochlear implants were turned on.

But, the happy event was at the end of a very long road for the family.

After their health insurer steadfastly refused to pay for the implants, the Westbrooks raised money through crowdfunding.

They say the implants will help her learn and grow.

Teacher Beth Whitfield, who specializes in helping deaf children, agreed.

"The things that have happened today are first steps towards her relationship with every person in her life," she noted.

Stacy Westbrook added, "When you talk, she stops and starts looking into your eyes. She's never done that before."

Laken's father Gary says, "It was hard, but it was the path we were meant to be on."