About this fundraiser

Hello! My name is Heather, & I am a 58 yr old mother & grandmother. A long time ago, I was involved with a very abusive man, & was punched in the mouth. That cause me to lose my 4 front teeth! I was devastated! I couldn't believe it, & actually went into denial about it up until 3 yrs ago when my mom got really ill, & consequently passed away! I finally went to the dentist so that I could get my teeth replaced, but before that happened, my mom died! I wasn't able to finish my treatment because I had to go to calif to handle the estate affairs, & that took 6 weeks. Since I came back to washington, I have been homeless, & pretty much super depressed, a long with suffering from p.t.s.d. from the trauma of losing my teeth, losing my mom, & everything in between. I pretty much just function enuf to get by, & haven't really cared about myself. It's been hard! But I'm ready now to do something to improve my self esteem, & get back into a functioning part of society, & have a life! It's unbelievable how ur emotional well being affects every aspect of ur life, whether u want it to or not! I've learned some things along the way, & I know I'm not completely healed from all the trauma, but I'm still fighting!! I feel like if I were able to get implants, I wouldn't have anything to hold me back from any part of life! I don't know, maybe it's my vanity talking, but it's really hard for me to put myself into social settings of any kind, including grocery shopping, medical appts, or just going for a walk. Even driving down the street. I know I look like an old lady, & I don't want to! I know people r judging me, & I don't want that! I want to feel confident, & beautiful, & be able to go out to eat, which I won't do because I hate the way my face looks when I attempt to chew my food! So embarrassing! I can't order any of the stuff I like & want to eat, cuz I cannot take a bite of anything, or can't chew things cuz I have no teeth at all! I considered dentures, but I just don't feel like they will b made properly because my jaw is so narrow. I had braces for 5 yrs, & am just really sad that this has happened. I haven't been in that relationship for about 15 yrs, & don't ever plan on being again. I would like to b in a relationship with someone who isn't abusive tho, at some point, because it's really lonely being alone!! If there is any one willing to help me out with this dilemma, I would b so grateful, & happy, I could not even begin to tell u!! It would change my whole aspect of life, & I might just end up finding what my true purpose on this planet actually is. I'm too self conscious to attempt anything like that at this point, & it makes me feel really insignificant, for the most part!! Some days r better than others, but for the most part, I'm a recluse!! Please help me! I know I have a lot to give, & dont want to leave this earth with our trying to get it out there. Domestic violence is unfortunately seeming to become more or a normal thing these days, & it doesn't have to! Knowledge is key, & experiencing it first hand has made me aware of things that aren't taught in schools, or churches, that others could benefit from!! I whole heatedly believe that what I know could save lives, or at least I wouldn't b so afraid to try!! I appreciate u taking the time to read my story! U don't even know how something as simple as that, makes a difference to someone like me!! I'm finally being heard. I don't know why I waited so long to try!! Anyways, I hope u have a blessed day. Thanks again!! Sincerely, hla 😇

Organized by

Heather Anderberg

Cle Elum, WA, USA

Organizer