HELP 17 YEAR-OLD AMEILIA GET LIFE-CHANGING JAW SURGERY

Ameilia Knowles (aka Ameilia Higgins) is a vibrant, hardworking teenager with big dreams. At just 17, Ameilia faces a unique challenge that impacts her daily health, confidence, and self-esteem. Ameilia needs urgent, specialized reconstructive jaw surgery to correct the displacement of both her TM joints. This condition causes her jaw to click painfully, lock in place, and restrict her ability to speak and eat comfortably.

Why Does Ameilia Need Your Support? Ameilia is more than her challenges. She’s a dedicated R.H. King Academy high school student with aspirations of studying psychology at university. Despite her condition, she volunteers at Churches by the Bluffs Food Bank (BFB), giving back to her community with a kind heart and a strong commitment to helping others.

OHIP does not cover Ameilia’s surgeries. The cost is a staggering cost of $54,633.

For the past two years, Jan Higgins (Ameilia’s mother) has managed to budget the cost of orthodontic work that was previously required; but, without getting her wisdom teeth removed now ($1,300) and without the jaw surgery ($53,333), in the coming months, Amelia risks worsening symptoms, which are further exacerbated by the small size of her tongue, including severe sleep-disordered breathing - a condition will limit her airway and increase health risks as she grows older. These challenges could significantly impact her future health and quality of life. With the surgery, Ameilia can overcome these obstacles and move into adulthood with the confidence, self-esteem and health she deserves.

Her family has faced incredible adversity. Ameilia’s mother, Jan, is a 75-year-old widow and parent of six children - four of whom were high-risk adopted babies. Now Jan and Ameilia live alone on a senior’s government income. Jan’s husband Jim, a TTC bus driver, died from a fatal heart attack 15 years ago and his survival pension has now lapsed. Jan has done everything possible to provide for her remaining daughter Ameilia, but this surgery is far beyond her financial means.

Where Do Your Donations Go? Every dollar raised will go directly to the cost of Ameilia’s surgeries and related medical expenses. Gail Barkic, the organizer will be paying these directly to the doctors and/or hospitals.

• Four wisdom teeth to be extracted at a cost of ($1,300) as soon as funding is available.

• Jaw surgery (spring (2025) – When funding is available, payment is due in advance of surgery ($53,333).

The Organizer: My name is Gail Barkic, retired principal of TBSB, CEO of Bluffs Food Bank, and close family friend, with permission to share these details. My heart broke when I learned that Ameilia became despondent when she understood the cost reality of this extensive dental surgery and became inspired to spearhead this fundraiser for a well-deserving young woman.

I promise that every dollar donated will directly support Amelia’s dental surgery costs, which I have viewed. I will ensure the payment of all expenses involved. Sufficient funds must be in place before any surgery is undertaken. Fundraising results shall be regularly posted for donors and those interested to follow and monitor the progress and achievement of the final goal.

Your Impact: By supporting Ameilia, you are not just funding a surgery – you are giving a young person the opportunity to live pain-free, boost her confidence, and pursue her dreams including a potential career in psychology. This appeal highlights Ameilia's resilience and the transformative impact of community support on her life. Your generosity will change her life forever.

Please join the community to support Ameilia. No contribution is too small and will bring her one step closer to the care she so urgently needs. Together, we can make a difference!

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