Radiation cancer treatments destroyed my teeth.

Please help me get my smile back!

I’m a long- term Cancer survivor. Almost ten years ago, I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, On the advice of my doctors, I underwent both chemotherapy and radiation treatment.

They say what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. Not in my case! I’m physically weaker, and it made me lose my smile. I’m not dead yet, but my smile died…

Anything you can do to help is so gratefully appreciated! I feel sad that we live in a country where we have to rely on the kindness of others to get our health care needs met, but that’s just the way it is.

Radiation literally burned my teeth, so that some of them are broken off at the gum line, and others are splintered and razor-sharp. It has reduced the blood flow to my jaw and teeth. It did a lot of other damage also, and I’m now at the point of not being able to eat -- and it’s also negatively affecting my heart due to the severe dental decay. Can you imagine my frustration at not being able to crunch into a salad, or take a satisfying chomp off of a piece of crusty bread or eat cereal? Plus, my limited, soft diet means that it’s difficult for me to get all the nutrition I need to stay healthy.

Many places do dental implants -- but not with the extensive damage to my jaw. Implant centers will not touch me for fear of breaking my jaw (literally having it crumble), or doing more damage to my mouth.

The process of removing the damaged teeth from the jaw, and replacing them with implants is so complex and risky (especially for someone with a compromised immune system) that only one place in the country is willing to take on the job. That’s the Mayo Clinic, in Rochester, Minnesota. After months of interviews, and a trip to Minnesota, the first surgery was, December 15th, 2021. The next one is at the end of March2022 plan, but the costs of this surgery are still way beyond my means. I’m living on government disability income, which is minimal.

The surgery will cost $78,000, I applied for financial aid. However, it still leaves me with an amount due that makes me able to smile even less! This doesn’t even take into consideration the cost of travel.

Each trip there costs about $2K. 

I had all of my teeth pulled in December. I’m having to go back in March and probably twice more after the next procedure. 

I’m asking for anything you can spare to help with the cost of this essential procedure. I thank you in advance, from the bottom of my heart, for your prayers and donations…