Support Melissa's Journey to a Healthier and Pain-Free Life

Hello Everyone. My name is Melissa. I’m raising money to help pay for life changing dental implants.

This journey began a little over 2 years ago when I began rapidly losing teeth out of nowhere. I suffered my first broken tooth while eating a PB&J sandwich. Since then, I have lost almost ALL of my teeth.

This rapid tooth loss was brought about as a result of me developing what is called Microcytic Iron Deficiency Anemia, which comes from not getting enough iron in my diet. Even with oral supplements, it was not enough to stop the rapid changes in oral and overall health in general. It has been a vicious cycle of malnutrition and declining oral health as a result of the anemia.

Most days I am in constant pain. I am unable to eat a proper diet. Due to how difficult it is to chew and swallow my food without choking; I am limited to a soft/semi soft diet. As a result I have been unable to adequately treat my iron deficiecy anemia through normal supplements and became so ill that I had to have a blood transfusion and now receive regular IV iron infusions. It is difficult to drink either hot and cold liquids due to the nerve sensitivity. This is causing severe dehydration and the associated symptoms. My sleep is frequently interrupted by pain. Most nights I have to sleep in a sitting position, which leads to stiffness in my back, neck, and shoulders and sometimes severe muscle spasms where I cannot turn my head fully for days at a time. I am constantly battling abscesses and tooth infections, sore throat, migraines, and ear aches.

Being able to get dental implants will change my life! It will restore my health as I will once again be able to eat a healthy, balanced diet. It will restore my self confidence as well as improve my emotions and mental health. Most of all, I will once again be able to smile and laugh with family and friends without worrying about who is laughing with me and not at me.

Any help to achieve this life-changing goal is beyond appreciated. The financial donations made here will help to cover my out-of-pocket cost for the anesthesia ($5,000) and/or bills ($1500) while I am off work during my recovery period. Thank you all for your heartfelt donations and prayers.

Attached below are photos of the damage to my teeth caused by and exacerbated by the anemia.

*Discretion Advised for following images as some may view them graphic in nature