My name is Carla. 

I have been a Lupus patient since 1999. I have been on many multiple courses of steroids and long term immune suppressants for many many years.

In 2023, I was diagnosed with Pericarditis as a result of my Lupus. When the normal medications didn't work to alleviate the Pericarditis, I had to go on long term, high dose steroids. As a result, my teeth began to crumble.

I spent all of 2024 reaching out to various agencies, dental schools, dentists for quotes, etc.

On April 15, 2025, I was admitted to Mayo Clinic for Ludwig's Angina (pictured) which is a life threatening, necrotizing cellulitis in the mouth under the tongue and in the neck. As a result, I was placed on a ventilator to secure my airway.

After 12 days at Mayo, I was released. My medical bill at Mayo exceeds $600k. 

Unfortunately, due to my Lupus I was disabled in 2015. I have tried to work multiple full time and part time jobs as I felt better over the years. I always ended up in a medical situation which affected my ability to work full time. I currently help my son with his business by answering his phones and he pays for my housing in exchange. 

I only have Medicare and it doesn't cover dental except in very specific circumstances. We are working with Sen. Scott's office to try to see if we can make this happen through Medicare because my disabled condition and those treatments got us here. Unfortunately, this will take time. And, time is not my friend. Should we be able to get reimbursed by Medicare, i will donate what’s left to a local community agency supporting dental care for those less fortunate. 

I cannot restart my Lupus treatments until there is a solid plan in place for my dental health since I am obviously at high risk for subsequent infections while on immune suppressants or steroids.

I also have damage in jaw bone as a result of the infection and need extensive oral surgery, grafting and repair due to the necrotic nature of my infection.

Any help is appreciated as I navigate this situation and try to get my life back on track.