Fulton is Getting His Smile Back!

Eight years ago, my brother Fulton had a non-cancerous tumor in his nasal sinus cavity that had to be removed. During the initial procedure, 7 of his teeth were also removed due to infection in his jaw. Fulton had no clue that he would wake up after this surgery with essentially half of his teeth missing. He later had to undergo a 9-hour surgery where part of his fibula was removed, as well as a skin graft, in order to rebuild strength by replacing the bone in his mouth. The medical team had to insert a trach during surgery, and he recovered in ICU for almost a week. It has been eight years since the initial diagnosis and surgery. The Lord held him through this time and gave him the strength he needed to heal, like only our Lord can do.

Over the years, he has unfortunately given up so much of the enjoyments of life that made him who he is. Theatre and musicals, his outstanding talent and ability to play the trumpet, and even that full beautiful smile we all know and love have been taken away from him due to self-confidence. He had to relearn how to clearly speak with multiple missing teeth. Anyone who knows Fulton knows the emotional and mental struggles that he has endured. He is so active in our community and his church and loves others so much. He is always there to lend a helping hand when asked and would give you the shirt off his back.

During the past eight years, Fulton has started a career, gotten married, and had two beautiful babies. We are so happy that the time has come and he is FINALLY able to have the necessary surgery to bring his smile, confidence, and God-given talents back. This surgery is unfortunately not going to be covered by insurance as they consider it ‘cosmetic’ regardless of the fact that the tumor clearly had to be removed under medical necessity.

I know I speak for our family and his wife Erin when I say that there is nothing more we want than for Fulton to feel that confidence again. To not feel like he has to hide, and for him to finally be able to smile again.

The total estimated cost for this procedure will be around $30,000. They will first set his jaw in preparation for the implants. This will include removing yet another 2 front teeth, which will make speaking a learning process once again. After healing, they will then move forward with rehabilitating his smile. We are asking first and foremost for prayers that the upcoming surgeries go well, that God guides the doctors, and that his recovery is as pain-free as possible.

If you feel financially led to give and would like to help lighten their financial load, we would all be so very grateful. No amount is too small! Thank you so much! And please keep Fulton and his family in your thoughts and prayers during this exciting but nerve-racking time! Surgery is scheduled for the end of May 2025.