Help Teen Girl with 1st Jaw Surgery
Donation protected
Bethany is 17 and is facing jaw reconstruction surgery in her near future. A year ago, she was diagnosed with a severe case of TMJ by her dentist and the news kept getting worse. An Oral Surgeon found that the cartilage in her jaw has slipped forward on both sides. There is arthritis built up in the joint causing her extreme pain. In addition, she now has impacted Wisdom Teeth that need to be removed. The jaw has a severe underbite and she will eventually need to undergo orthodontic (orthognathic)procedures combined with jaw reconstruction.
At first, we tried physical therapy and pain management. Between the medication, pain and doctor appointments, it was soon apparent that her attendance at school was being impacted. Last January, we made the decision to homeschool her and have her take the GED.
She is now missing out on her senior year of high school.
Bethany was a part of her high school's NJROTC program, on the school newspaper staff, as well as having a close knit group of friends. This situation is now causing her to miss out on her Senior Prom and graduation ceremony and all the other memories to experience as a senior in high school. Her life is now reduced to managing pain daily while waiting for the next procedure or surgery.
Right now, we have a surgery planned soon for an Arthrocentesis of the jaw, wisdom teeth removal, and another tooth extraction. After she recovers, she has some additional dental work to complete (as her dentist did not feel comfortable working on her while her jaw was in so much pain). Then we are facing orthodontic (orthognathic) procedures followed by the major jaw reconstruction surgery.
The oral surgeon will not schedule the first surgery until we are able to pay the fees upfront. Between the high monthly premiums and out-of-pocket expenses, this has left us unable to pay for the care that Bethany so desperately needs to get her life back. We need to have this first surgery done very soon to help her relieve her pain. Then she can resume studying for the GED and begin college.
Bethany is an amazing daughter who is blossoming into an incredible woman. She is a very talented photographer and writer, with a heart for animals. We just want to help Bethany move forward with her life. She's going to make a huge difference in this world and we would appreciate any help you can give. Any amount is helpful, but even if you can't donate, please share this story with your friends and family.
At first, we tried physical therapy and pain management. Between the medication, pain and doctor appointments, it was soon apparent that her attendance at school was being impacted. Last January, we made the decision to homeschool her and have her take the GED.
She is now missing out on her senior year of high school.
Bethany was a part of her high school's NJROTC program, on the school newspaper staff, as well as having a close knit group of friends. This situation is now causing her to miss out on her Senior Prom and graduation ceremony and all the other memories to experience as a senior in high school. Her life is now reduced to managing pain daily while waiting for the next procedure or surgery.
Right now, we have a surgery planned soon for an Arthrocentesis of the jaw, wisdom teeth removal, and another tooth extraction. After she recovers, she has some additional dental work to complete (as her dentist did not feel comfortable working on her while her jaw was in so much pain). Then we are facing orthodontic (orthognathic) procedures followed by the major jaw reconstruction surgery.
The oral surgeon will not schedule the first surgery until we are able to pay the fees upfront. Between the high monthly premiums and out-of-pocket expenses, this has left us unable to pay for the care that Bethany so desperately needs to get her life back. We need to have this first surgery done very soon to help her relieve her pain. Then she can resume studying for the GED and begin college.
Bethany is an amazing daughter who is blossoming into an incredible woman. She is a very talented photographer and writer, with a heart for animals. We just want to help Bethany move forward with her life. She's going to make a huge difference in this world and we would appreciate any help you can give. Any amount is helpful, but even if you can't donate, please share this story with your friends and family.
Organizer
Jennifer Larsen Houston
Organizer
Georgetown, TX