All I Want Is My Five Front Teeth
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On June 14, 2014, I was punched in the mouth while attempting to keep intoxicated strangers from attacking my father and his friends after a Father’s Day dinner they organized in the Bronx. I was the only person who experienced physical violence that night. Unfortunately, the person who assaulted me and his accomplices ran away without having to deal with or pay for the consequences of their actions.
After going to the Dental Emergency Room at Brooklyn Methodist Hospital that evening, my injuries eventually led to the extraction of over five of my teeth. I am forced to use temporary dentures, which have been both physically painful, awkward, and aggravating. But more so, socializing with friends and interacting in a work environment has been a privately humiliating experience for me. Over the last seven years, I've been constantly aware of how my physical appearance has been negatively altered - my mouth, facial expression, and even the sound of my voice does not feel like my own. Yet still, I worked and hung in there as I appeared as a host for global news outlets such as Vice and Al Jazeera with these obstacles. I can't tell you how many times I had to practice my lines to sound fluid and fluent - this is to say, we underestimate how important a full set of teeth is to "correct" speech patterns.
For seven years, I've tried to remedy this situation and, at every turn, have been met with the inadequate health care system under which we all live. All the barriers and roadblocks within this system are a daily reminder of how our society devalues human life, and sadly, I am at my wit’s end.
Even though I have dental insurance, I have not been able to cover the cost of a permanent solution to the loss of my teeth. I'm 36 years old, and I can tell you, this is not a typical situation: without proper treatment, I could face further disfigurement, the ability to speak and communicate as the average person does, and worse, my inability to chew and eat normal food will affect my diet and overall health. The cost to complete the restoration of my teeth is $30,000. I am working with two of the best dental professionals in the Northeast: General Dentistry, Dr. Daniel Jacobs , and periodontist Dr. James E . Jacobs. They know my financial situation and are working with me to provide the highest quality of care possible.
To date, I have saved $4,000 and have been gifted close to $15K but still need another $11,000 to complete the total procedure. This procedure would restore my teeth before I experience more gum damage and bone loss.
I am appealing to friends, family, and supporters of my social justice work in media to help me find a financial solution. Thank you so much for your help, love Messiah.
PLEASE DONATE AND/OR SHARE
On June 14, 2014, I was punched in the mouth while attempting to keep intoxicated strangers from attacking my father and his friends after a Father’s Day dinner they organized in the Bronx. I was the only person who experienced physical violence that night. Unfortunately, the person who assaulted me and his accomplices ran away without having to deal with or pay for the consequences of their actions.
After going to the Dental Emergency Room at Brooklyn Methodist Hospital that evening, my injuries eventually led to the extraction of over five of my teeth. I am forced to use temporary dentures, which have been both physically painful, awkward, and aggravating. But more so, socializing with friends and interacting in a work environment has been a privately humiliating experience for me. Over the last seven years, I've been constantly aware of how my physical appearance has been negatively altered - my mouth, facial expression, and even the sound of my voice does not feel like my own. Yet still, I worked and hung in there as I appeared as a host for global news outlets such as Vice and Al Jazeera with these obstacles. I can't tell you how many times I had to practice my lines to sound fluid and fluent - this is to say, we underestimate how important a full set of teeth is to "correct" speech patterns.
For seven years, I've tried to remedy this situation and, at every turn, have been met with the inadequate health care system under which we all live. All the barriers and roadblocks within this system are a daily reminder of how our society devalues human life, and sadly, I am at my wit’s end.
Even though I have dental insurance, I have not been able to cover the cost of a permanent solution to the loss of my teeth. I'm 36 years old, and I can tell you, this is not a typical situation: without proper treatment, I could face further disfigurement, the ability to speak and communicate as the average person does, and worse, my inability to chew and eat normal food will affect my diet and overall health. The cost to complete the restoration of my teeth is $30,000. I am working with two of the best dental professionals in the Northeast: General Dentistry, Dr. Daniel Jacobs , and periodontist Dr. James E . Jacobs. They know my financial situation and are working with me to provide the highest quality of care possible.
To date, I have saved $4,000 and have been gifted close to $15K but still need another $11,000 to complete the total procedure. This procedure would restore my teeth before I experience more gum damage and bone loss.
I am appealing to friends, family, and supporters of my social justice work in media to help me find a financial solution. Thank you so much for your help, love Messiah.
PLEASE DONATE AND/OR SHARE
Organizer
Messiah Rhodes
Organizer
Brooklyn, NY