MouthPeace Book - Tracy's Story

A large benign tumor on my jaw bone caused me to have my entire lower jaw removed. It was a 12 hour removal and reconstruction surgery. I now have a titanium jaw covered with the fibula bone from my right leg. I am healing well, but now begin the long process of straightening my upper teeth and rebuilding the gums and replacing all my lower teeth.  Since February my diet has been mostly soft foods that I can smash against the roof of my mouth. I will not have permanent teeth until next summer, at best. I have lost 30 lbs. since the surgery and still losing weight. Here' the part of the story where you come in. Medical Insurance has denied my claims for dentals implants, and they are very costly--and traditional dentures will not work for me. I have three different doctors to work with and only $1,000 per year of dental insurance. They even denied the first part of my extensive surgery (removal of my bottom teeth before my jaw could be removed)because they declare it as dental!  They are estimating the cost for all the "dental" work to be around $25,000. I am currently the Executive Director of Angelina Arts Alliance -- a non-profit performing arts organization--and really need your help. This is a very public job, which includes public speaking egagements, television and radio interviews; and as you can imagine talking is difficult without bottom teeth!  This will be a long process, so even a small monthly gift would be a great blessing.  You don't realize how much you take for granted just biting into a sandwich, or a peach, or eating a cashew, or tortilla chip, until you can't! Would you be willing to help me chew again?  And not only chew-- but bring back my smile. I really miss smiling-- it's a big part of me!  Blessings to you and thanks for caring and sharing.