https://paypal.me/DMoberly?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US
I never imagined I would be in a position where I would have to ask for help like this, but here I am, reaching out in the hopes that someone might understand and be willing to support me in regaining a part of myself that I have lost- my smile.
Throughout my childhood, I had strong, healthy teeth. I even had the privilege of getting braces in high school, thanks to my grandparents, and the confidence it gave me was life-changing. I smiled constantly, and it was impossible to hide the newfound joy I felt. Unfortunately, life took a turn I never expected, and my dental health began to suffer in ways I could never have foreseen.
Unbeknownst to me at the time, I was a severe nighttime teeth grinder, which destroyed most of my molars. I invested over $10,000 in crowns and root canals, trying everything I could to save my teeth. Then, a devastating chapter of my life began when I was prescribed Morphine for what my doctor diagnosed as arthritis. I expressed my concerns about its strength and asked for an alternative, but my pleas were dismissed. Within a year, I found myself unknowingly addicted, my life unraveling before I even realized what was happening.
By the time I understood the full scope of my addiction, I was in deep. My body was failing me. I experienced blackouts, and despite a year of medical testing, no one connected my symptoms to the medications I was taking. Eventually, I was found unresponsive and was rushed to the hospital, where they discovered I had lost all of the magnesium, potassium, and calcium from my body. This was my wake-up call. I demanded to stop taking the Morphine, but I had no knowledge of withdrawals, addiction, or recovery. I stumbled through the process, relapsing before finally entering a recovery program.
To aid my recovery, I was prescribed Suboxone, a medication that helped me regain stability. At the time, I was unaware of its effects on dental health, and as the years went on, I watched in devastation as my teeth began to deteriorate. The thousands of dollars I had invested in saving them were slowly undone, my crowns falling out one by one. Now, I am left with only a few teeth, making it difficult to eat, speak, and most painfully, smile.
Beyond the physical pain, the impact on my self-esteem has been overwhelming. I was laid off last May when the business I worked for suddenly closed, and the job search has been incredibly difficult-not because I lack experience, work ethic, or references, but because my missing teeth create an immediate impression that is hard to overcome. I see the judgement in people’s eyes, the assumptions they make about me. I have withdrawn from social situations, avoided friends, and settled in relationships because I feel unworthy.
I just want to feel like myself again. I want to regain my confidence, find meaningful work, and show the world who I truly am- someone who has fought incredibly hard to overcome addiction and is determined to live a fulfilling life. I have found a dentist who can provide me with All-on-4 implants for $30,000, giving me a full set of permanent teeth in just one day. This would not only restore my ability to eat and speak properly, but more importantly, it would give me back my smile- the confidence I need to secure employment, rebuild relationships, and contribute to society in the way I know I can.
I am humbly asking for any support you can offer in helping me achieve this goal. My parents have done everything they can to help me through my struggles, and I want to be able to stand on my own two feet, to provide them with the peace of mind that I am okay. More than anything, I want to be able to pay forward the kindness I receive, to help others who are struggling as I have.
If you find it in your heart to help, please know that I will carry your generosity with me always. I will use this gift to not only rebuild my life but to uplift those around me, to be a source of hope and encouragement for others who feel lost.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story. No matter what, I am grateful for your kindness, your understanding, and the hope that perhaps there is a way forward for me.
With deepest gratitude,
Danielle
Contributions can be made at:https://paypal.me/DMoberly?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US