Donate to help my baby sister keep her smile!

Terri-Ann Richards is organizing this fundraiser.

Donation protected

Hey Everyone,

My name is Terri-Ann Richards and I am the big sister to one of the funniest, craziest, and kindest humans I know....Jocelyn Richards. She's 11 years my younger, and since the day she was born, I have felt it my duty to protect her. This fundraiser is me trying to keep that promise, and my hope is you will help me.

Backstory:

When Jocelyn was in middle school she fell on the ice face first, creating a slight chip and damaging the nerves in her front tooth. At that time she needed a root canal, which she received and fingers were then crossed for the unknown future of her tooth.

Over the years her tooth changed color, and as she got older...based on coverage and finances she worked with our dentist to get the chip fixed.

And for 25+ years she's kept that tooth in tact.

Well, all that changed this week...

On October 19th, 2023 while eating a bagel with cheese, Jocelyn heard a snap. Running to the mirror to see what happened, she realized her tooth cracked straight up into the root. Frantic she called the dentist, and was able to get into our dentist that day.

As she sat down in the chair awaiting the news of how they were going to fix her tooth, they explained that there was no fixing this. That the tooth had to be pulled and she was going to need a dental implant.

In hysterics, she refused them to remove the tooth. They told her it would officially die within the next few weeks and fall out. They then proceeded to quote her for the implant. Upwards of $6000 for the surgery. A price tag she cannot afford.

UPDATE: Since posting this fundraiser, Jocelyn has seen the specialist. She has been told that she will need both a bone graph (pre) and gum graph (post) in addition to the costs of the implant. It is looking as though the overall cost could hit upwards of $7-10k. We will update as we know more.

[I should mention...this is her front tooth, the one you first see when she smiles]

And this is where you come in. For some of you, you are reading this as a friend of mine, client, a colleague. For others you are family or friends of the family. There is no amount too small that will help us as a collective afford my sister her smile back.

You see a smile embodies so much more than just an expression. It's a reflection of our confidence, joy, and self-assurance.

It's the way you and I communicate warmth, empathy, and connection with the world.

And for my baby sister, her smile is the gateway to her self-esteem, her silliness and the way she lights up a room.

Your support in this fundraiser isn't just about a dental implant; it's about giving her the gift of her smile back, and with it, the hope and happiness that comes with feeling whole.

For those who are curious as I few have asked. Jocelyn goes to Oakville Dental Lane in Quispamsis. Her dentist is Dr. Tait: You can look them up here.

Please help me keep that promise and keep that beautiful smile on my little sister Jocelyn's face! Anything you can offer to support is greatly appreciated.