Life-Saving Dental Care Needed

Dear Friends,

Hello! My name is Maryann Massey. I know it’s hard to believe, but I’ve been struggling with severe dental issues for the last 15 years! Back when I was younger and working in a restaurant as a table busser, I contracted a disease that resulted in bleeding gums, progressive tooth decay, and tooth loss.

I found a dentist to help me, but he retired, and I then lost my dental insurance. Things started to go downhill with my teeth. Fast forward to the present – I now have no bottom teeth and only five teeth on top that are viable.

I have a good job as a convenience store manager at the North Shore Marina (Pueblo West, CO), where I’ve been working since 2005, but the multiple life-changing dental procedures I need will cost at least $18,000. It’s really overwhelming for me to even think about all the crowns and root canals and implants and dentures that are required to just have ‘normal’ teeth again!

I’m not one to complain, but for decades now, I haven’t been able to eat healthy meals. My meals typically consist of mushy foods like noodles with alfredo sauce. This will be my Thanksgiving meal as well. I try other things, but I can’t chew to eat. I used to be friendly and outgoing with a pleasant personality, but for over a decade now, I rarely smile or talk too much because people ask me what’s wrong with my teeth.

It was my current dentist, Dr. Jeremy, my employers at the Marina, Ericka Mitzner and Dan Allen and my friends, Mike & Suzanne Perini – who convinced me to try again to get control of my dental health. Because the issue has been going on for so long, it’s also affecting other aspects of my health, contributing to both congestive heart failure and breathing issues – I’ve been on oxygen for the last 3 years. What little money I have managed to save has gone to pay for medical procedures to keep me alive.

As embarrassed as I am to have to ask for your help, my whole-body health is now at risk, and I’ve got to try and do something to get healthy. My Mom and Dad have been out of the picture since I was young. My husband is gone (he passed away in 1982), and the family I do have in Colorado are dealing with their own life issues. Although I have a decent-paying job, I’m not in a situation where I can pay for the dental bills myself, and my insurance will only cover a pitiful amount of what I owe.

I’m not used to people helping me. I don’t reach out – I try and do it all on my own. I’ll appreciate all the help I receive, and I can’t express my gratitude to the people willing to travel this road with me. I know it won’t be easy - but I’ll feel so much better afterward, and I can’t wait to eat a steak again! God bless all of you, and Happy Holidays!

The O’Neil Group is proud to contribute to this fundraiser by covering the entirety of the donation transaction fees. -Kevin O’Neil, The O’Neil Group and Pueblo Reservoir Unified Marina, LLC