Dental help for Ron "Rockstar" Garmon

Ron’s GoFundMe

As with many people in our lives, the last few years have been fraught with suffering, loss and unexpected challenges for our friend, Ron Garmon. Up until 2019, his life had already been marked by a series of extreme traumas and difficulties, most of which he is too shy to talk about openly. He has weathered these with determination and resilience. However, more recently, there was a series of occurrences that created a terrible, dark storm for Ron. The recent trials began when his beloved feline companion, Kea, died. Losing his emotional support kitty was absolutely devastating and a gripping depression set in. Ron’s quality of life deteriorated rapidly just as the Coronavirus began to spread. Then, before lockdown began, one of Ron’s molars split horizontally, low to his gums, and other health issues came to a head. However, dental and medical offices were soon closed, so he was unable to seek assistance. Without Kea for company, Ron was alone in his apartment, his mental health was severely affected by social isolation and loneliness, paired with the many disturbing things he witnessed as a car-less pedestrian on the streets of L.A. as he went out for food and other supplies.

Over the last three years, Ron has been under the care of both a therapist and a psychiatrist. He is unable to work due to his current state and his savings are nearly exhausted. An attempt was made by his therapist to enlist the state’s aid in covering the costs of his dental needs because of the related psychological aspects. The process was bureaucratically arduous and, after a long wait, the request was denied. In the resulting time, the adjacent tooth has been affected, so there is further work to be done which includes the extraction of *one/possibly two teeth, a root canal, bone graft and eventual implant(s). Even with MediCal, the costs of these procedures at Western Dental (where his insurance referred him) are well-beyond his current means.

The dental surgery is scheduled for June 15th. It cannot be put off any longer. (Just this week, another small piece of the problematic molar came off.) The costs of the initial procedures are $2000.00. From there, he will definitely need *one/possibly two implants once things heal. MediCal does not cover implants, which are approximately $4000 each. This whole situation has further impacted Ron’s state of mind.

Carrie and I are asking for help on Ron’s behalf from his extensive collection of friends. He is a kind-hearted and caring friend, as well as an excellent listener in times of stress. He has been there for us and others even amidst his own turmoils. All told, it is difficult to fully relay here the importance for Ron in receiving both compassionate financial aid to address his dental/health issues AND the caring support of his friends. Please consider both elements in our sincere request. We would greatly appreciate anything you can donate, in terms of both money and time. He’d do well to hear from you through Facebook, texts and phone calls. This will do wonders for his mind and his heart.

In gratitude on Ron’s behalf,

"TBD" Julien and Carrie

*The decision regarding the extraction of the neighboring tooth is yet to be made. Therefore, our goal only includes the intital procedure and one implant at this time.