I think this is the kind of thing you could do community fundraising for - you know, get some friends together and hold a car wash, put up jars with a note and your smiling picture on it at local shops - "Keep Rachel hearing!" and folks would be happy to throw in some support in the form of dollars.

Also, you might see if you can do an "event" at which you could speak about the difference having the cochlear implant has made in your life and your education!