It all started with a cold granola bar on a hot summer day. One bite and my smile wouldn't be the same. I had always been told I had a beautiful smile, and I had a lot to smile about! I had landed a great job managing an office in Lubbock after what was undeniably the hardest 2 years of my life. In 2021, after 3 surgeries I had finally beaten breast cancer. In 2022, two seperate hand surgeries and a terrible car accident left me without a vehicle and unable to work to pay my bills. I fought back against life' hard knocks and was managing my own office and working with the public, something  truly enjoy.  

The picture you see of me is the last picture I took wearing a full smile. That picture was taken over a year ago. I'm still the happy, energetic, and fun loving person you see in the picture. I just don't smile much anymore, and if I do, I keep my lips pressed together or hide my mouth behind my hand. That's because I lost a crown when I bit into that granola bar and it left a gap in my smile. I've broken 2 more teeth since. My doctor explained that it is the result of the cancer treatment I was given and the medications I still take to prevent it from coming back. I'll be taking this medication for the next 6 years and he says I can expect more rapid tooth decay. 

Although I love my job, it does not offer medical or dental insurance. I'm on a special route of insurance that's specifically for women with breast or cervical cancer but it does not typically cover dental. Back in December, when I broke the 2nd tooth, I was told that my insurance provider offered emergency dental care in certain situations and that I could qualify. After 4 months of endless phone calls and submitting tons of paperwork, I still have not gotten the approval to have the the teeth extracted. I was told by the dentist that did my x-rays that they will not be able to help me and that I'll have to start the whole process over with another dentist. 

It is urgent that I have the 3 extractions done as soon as possible. I have been fighting infections in my gums and it has affected my eating habits. I no longer enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables or nuts because they are hard to eat. I eat softer (usually less healthy) food and I feel the toll it is taking on my body. 

I'm only asking for enough funding to cover the 3 extractions, one filing and a cleaning that I need to alleviate the pain, and a dental prosthetic to restore my smile. 

Having my teeth fixed will allow me to share my contagious smile with everyone around me. I will be able to feel comfortable and confident smiling as I greet customers and greet people on the street at church and in the grocery store. This week also allow me to eat the foods that are good for me, improving my overall health. 

Thank you for your support in helping me reach my goal, and God bless you.