Save River’s Smile: Donate for Dental Care

My name is Julie O’Malley, and I’m trying to raise money to help my best friend, Patricia Miller, get dental care.

On a recent subway trip, she and I had a serious conversation about her dental problems. The issue is that when she was laid off from her job during the pandemic and lost her insurance, she was left with just Medicare, which only covers the bare minimum of dental procedures. We live in the USA, and dental care is not included in standard medical health insurance. Dental insurance is costly, and she is currently on Social Security and has no other reliable form of income. Unfortunately, she will need some serious dental and periodontal care to save her teeth, as well as her long-term health.

I asked her point-blank if she would be insulted if I started a GoFundMe to help her because her dental care could go into the tens of thousands of dollars. She said she would gladly accept all the help she could get.

She can no longer chew. Her bottom teeth are not really attached anymore. But I’m also worried about infections and sepsis. I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if I didn’t do something to help, but I can’t afford to pay for her dental care outright. If I could, I would.

She is a beloved member of our community and volunteers to read to kids and also teach English at the local library. She is energetic and takes care of herself, but real dental care is beyond her scope of affordability. Anything will help.

Thank you.