Hello everyone, my name is Allisha. I'm putting this together to bless someone very close to me. Most of you know Juan as the Taco Tuesday guy, the bike guy, or the fix-it guy. As all of these things are true, Juan does have a past that he has worked really hard to move forward from, but unfortunately, there is still something in his life that is a constant reminder of that dark time.

Juan has been clean and sober for about 8 years. During the time of his addiction, as you can imagine, he lost a lot: family, job, home, friends, and his self-worth. He was able to break free from his addictions and completely transform his life. He used all his energy and passion to be a light for others and to pay it forward. He began to build his family back together and build the respect of those he hurt throughout the process. To keep his life on the straight and narrow, he took something he’s passionate about to bring joy to other people, and that’s how the Taco Tuesday bike ride started. If you are part of that ride, you know how special it is. Whenever it’s time for him to go on his ride for Taco Tuesday, he lights up (not just his bike). Juan is always the first one to help you if something is wrong with your bike or if you want to get things set up. A bike ride that started with four people has now reached over 600. It touches his heart when people come up to him and let him know how this has changed their life. He has done so much for others, not just with the bike ride, but also with his work in construction. Juan is someone who will always be the first one to do something for you.

As much as he loves to bless others, he does struggle with his self-esteem. He is constantly reminded of his past because of his teeth. Unfortunately, because of the choices he made years ago, even though he’s clean and sober today and has rebuilt friendships and family, his teeth are a constant reminder of what he did to himself and the choices he made.

He’s in excruciating pain but doesn’t tell anybody. He wants to be social, but it is very hard for him because he is embarrassed by what he looks like.

Juan is going to be getting surgery to have new permanent teeth. It’s been a long time coming, and I’m so excited and glad that we are finally taking this step for him to build his confidence and for his health. As you know, anything to do with dental surgery and implants is extremely expensive. He is not one to ask for help and doesn’t really feel he is deserving of certain blessings. I want to show him that he is worth it and deserving, which is why I’m asking for him. I want him to see that he is someone worth being blessed. I want to be able to give him his confidence back and take that part of his past away from him. I would like to see him smile for the first time, showing his teeth.

This is something that he has wanted for so long. It’s so exciting that he is a candidate and is finally getting this surgery. I am forever grateful and thankful for anyone that can help him fund this surgery so that he can get his smile back.