I never thought I’d be asking for help like this, but here I am – vulnerable, hopeful, and praying someone out there will understand.
I’m still young, but my teeth tell a different story. They’re broken, decayed, and painful – not just physically, but emotionally too. Every day, I hide my mouth when I talk or smile. I avoid photos, social gatherings, and even mirrors. My teeth have stolen my confidence, my comfort, and a piece of my identity. But this story goes deeper than just dental health. It starts with the life I was born into.
When I was very young, I was taken from my mother due to her struggles with drug addiction. I grew up in the foster care system, moving from home to home. With each move, dental care was overlooked. Cleanings didn’t happen, cavities weren’t treated, and pain became normal. By the time I was old enough to advocate for myself, the damage had already been done.
Now, my teeth are so damaged that most dentists won’t even consider trying to save them. The only option my insurance covers is dentures – something usually meant for someone much older. I’ve been told that dental implants or a full-mouth restoration could give me back a real smile, something that would not only improve my appearance but allow me to eat without pain, speak clearly, and most importantly… feel like I’m worth being seen.
But the cost of proper dental care is impossibly high, especially for someone trying to survive day to day. The procedures I need could cost upwards of $20,000 – a number that feels like a brick wall between me and a future where I can smile freely.
I’m asking for help because I want to live my life without the shame and pain I’ve carried for so long. I want to walk into a job interview and smile with confidence. I want to laugh without covering my mouth. I want to look in the mirror and finally see someone who feels whole.
If you can donate, no matter how small, it means the world. If you can’t, sharing my story helps too. Just knowing someone is listening, that someone cares, gives me a kind of hope I haven’t felt in a long time.
Thank you for reading my story. Thank you for believing that people like me deserve a second chance – not just at dental care, but at dignity, confidence, and a full life.
With love and gratitude
