Hello. My name is Debbie. I really hate to do this, but for those of you who know me, you know I don't like to ask for help. But those who know me also know I just won my battle with squamous cell carcinoma. I underwent an extensive neck dissection and had my right upper jaw removed, which left me with a terrible speech impediment and a hole in the roof of my mouth that leads to my sinuses. I recently had an obturator made and was actually able to speak like a normal person. It was the first time since radiation and chemotherapy I had done in 2022 that I actually felt like a normal person. Having that obturator made me feel alive again, like I had a reason to live again. It took me so long to get it because insurance does not cover this prosthetic piece. I had to pay $2700 out of pocket in order to have it made.

Well, unfortunately tonight, I put it in the case where I always put it and placed it on my nightstand when I go to bed. It must have gotten knocked off and wasn’t sealed properly, and my dog got a hold of it. I cannot communicate effectively or live normally without this obturator. Unfortunately, I do not have the available funds to have another one made at this time. I would be forever grateful for any help I can get to be able to replace it.