Anne Arundel Woman Helps Friend, Who Is Mostly Deaf, Get Vaccine

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Masks are a communication obstacle for Marylanders who have hearing loss. Few locals speak sign language, so lip-reading is a must. With face coverings required, many residents with hearing loss have a hard time communicating.

Larry Keeney, a 77-year-old from Severna Park, understands this hurdle. The Anne Arundel County resident has about 25 percent of his hearing left. Keeney lost his wife four months ago, and masked conversations have been tougher ever since.

"She was my ears," Keeney said in a statement. "I am helpless when talking to people because they do not take the time to try to communicate with me."

That challenge became even more apparent ahead of Keeney's coronavirus vaccine. A masked and distanced clinic would have been hard to navigate if it weren't for Keeney's long-time friend and hairstylist Holly Mollick.

The Pasadena woman has cut Keeney's hair at her Severna Park Salon for 30 years. Given their deep friendship, Mollick was happy to step up and take Keeney to his immunization appointments.

"I know he has trouble reading lips when people are wearing masks," Mollick said in the release. "It makes me feel good to know that I can take him to get his shot and remove any barriers."

Keeney explained that the inoculation was quick and painless. He also thanked Mollick for her help.

"There is no way that I would be here right now without this lady and her husband," Keeney added. "They are our best friends."

Keeney got his inoculations at the Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis. Luminis Health, the company that owns AAMC, highlights these good acts through its "Be A Good Neighbor Campaign."

The effort encourages locals to help anybody who may have trouble getting a vaccine. Click here to learn more about the initiative.

Coronavirus Vaccine Resources

To see when you'll be eligible for the coronavirus inoculation, read Patch's explainer. Check out our how-to guide to learn how to sign up for the shot.

Catch up on the latest coronavirus infection and vaccination metrics in Anne Arundel County with our most recent numbers update. Head to Patch's immunization page to keep up with Maryland's latest vaccine news.

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Have a story idea? Please contact me at jacob.baumgart@patch.com with any pitches, tips or questions. Follow me on Twitter @JacobBaumgart and on Facebook @JacobBaumgartJournalist to stay up-to-date with the latest Anne Arundel County and Prince George's County news.