Seven years ago, my life changed in an instant when I was in an accident. The accident left me traumatized. I watched my teeth fly out of my mouth and what was left had to be removed. Now, I still have a few left, all severely damaged, and I’m facing urgent surgery to remove them and save what little bone remains in my jaw. This alone makes my jaw feels as though it is about to collapse. The bone loss has become so severe that I can barely taste my food, and I’ve started losing weight because everything tastes like metal. Eating, something I once enjoyed, has become a daily struggle.

The hardest part has been the emotional toll.I am becoming more and more depressed. I work full time but between my bills and dental visit bills that insurance doesn’t cover cause it’s considered cosmetic (since my bone has to be reconstructed and teeth has to be implanted) I cannot afford the surgery.

I’m a single mom, and I worry constantly about how my situation affects my son. I want to be present for him, but I find myself withdrawing from activities and social situations out of fear that he’ll be teased because of me. Depression has been overwhelming, and I haven’t felt like myself in years. My dream of starting a podcast feels out of reach, and I’ve become isolated from friends and the community. My family and close friends have been my mental backbone, but I’ve tried not to burden them with my struggles.

Now, my doctors say I need six bone grafts and urgent surgery before the end of the year. The surgery is very expensive because my jaw bone will need to be shifted as part of the procedure. If I can’t get this done by December, I’ll lose the chance to ever have dental implants and will be stuck like this forever. I’m reaching out for help so I can eat, smile, and live fully again—for myself and for my son. Any help will be deeply appreciated and will make a real difference in giving me a second chance at life.