Hello, my name is Atiba.

In 2022, just days before starting my senior year of high school, I was diagnosed with Ameloblastoma—a rare benign tumor of the jaw. Over the past three years (beginning January 2023), I have undergone multiple surgeries, including an anterior mandible resection with tracheostomy, segmental mandibulectomy, free fibula flap reconstruction (I stay in hospital for 18 days, which 7 were spent in a medically induced coma), flap osteoplasty and inset with a reconstruction plate, neck hemorrhage management (24 hours after a 16 hour surgery, a vein ruptured and I had go back into surgery to repair it), stage II implant placement, and vestibuloplasty.

In December 2024, I learned that my dental implants could not be restored due to excess tissue and a lack of vestibular space.

In June 2025, I underwent another major surgery to place a KLS pre-prosthetic implant with an immediate fixed mandibular dental prosthesis. This procedure allowed for a temporary denture to be placed during the implant surgery.

Now, I am in the planning phase with a team of prosthodontists to restore my permanent prosthesis (all on 4 with porcelain teeth)—a process I’m learning is not covered by either medical or dental insurance.

For over three years, I’ve battled this diagnosis, faced the fear of death, and endured a series of painful and life-changing surgeries that have left me with severe anxiety. I went from being passionate about football and planning for college, to being told I’d never play again because the fibula bone used to reconstruct my jaw eliminated that possibility. I was also told I would never have feeling in the lower half of my face. One doctor even said, "If you ever do play football again, let us know—we'd like to write about you."

With the unwavering support of my mom, family, and close friends, I worked hard to finish my senior year and graduated high school with a 4.0 GPA. My mother made sure I received the best rehabilitation care during the first eight months of recovery. Now, I am attending college and—against all odds—playing college football.

Managing life has been incredibly painful at times, both physically and emotionally, but I continue to grow through each challenge. I’m learning to trust in God's plan for me, even when the road is hard.

As I begin my junior year in college, I now face a new challenge: restoring my permanent smile. This is something I once thought I would never have again. I’m finally allowing myself to share my story—how I’ve fought through something I believed might end my life.

I want to be able to smile with confidence again and fully embrace who I am. That’s why I’m asking for your help—to raise funds for my forever smile.

With kind blessings,

Atiba Williams-Bey