A Dental Nightmare Turned Medical Emergency – Please Help Me Heal!

Beloved community, family and friends

I never imagined I’d be posting something like this — much less sharing photos of my face swollen and distorted by infection — but I’m reaching out today in deep vulnerability and need. I posted the picture above so you can get a sense of how bad the swelling is. I am so embarrassed with how deformed my face looks. I'll spare you from the internal images of the pus and infection as I don't want to gross you out as you read this over your morning coffee!

Seven weeks ago, I traveled to Tijuana for what should have been a routine wisdom tooth extraction. A dear friend had a great experience at the same clinic, and I trusted I could receive affordable, quality care while enjoying a beachside girls' trip we would share together, including a day at the beach in San Diego before flying home.

However, the nightmare that followed was traumatizing, painful, an ordeal, and ultimately dangerous. I now face a serious jawbone infection, which will leave me with:

What Happened

Financial Toll

This entire ordeal has snowballed into a financial crisis. I don’t have dental insurance, and I’m self-employed. Here's a snapshot of what I’m facing:

$1,000+ for the dental work in Mexico

$1,000+ for travel (flights, hotels, meals)

$850 for emergency dental visits in the past 48 hours

$5,000+ for next week’s surgery & anesthesia

$2,000+ in lost client income just next week

Recovery time: 3–6 months

Two other procedures I paid for in Mexico will now also need to be redone

Emotional trauma, lost sleep, pain, and fear for my health

What should have cost $2,000 has now already spiraled to $10,000 and will likely be even more!

How You Can Help

If you’ve ever known me, worked with me, or witnessed how much I care about supporting others in their healing — I’m now asking for that love and care back, even if it’s just a little.

You can help by donating here on GoFundMe

Or, to help you and me avoid platform fees, you’re also welcome to send directly via Venmo to @Caroline-Carrington-2. Code is 6104 (if prompted for one)

Every dollar counts. Even $10 or $20 helps ease the burden, and every share helps this story reach someone who may be able to give. If you are in a position to give more, I will be very grateful.

Unfortunately, I have already burned through all my savings having to take a lot of time off over the past 6 months since I was rear-ended in a car accident which left me with a sprained knee, a torn ligament in my shoulder, and totalled my car so I had to buy a new one.

Many of you know I have a hard time asking for help. I am doing so as I am desperate and don't have family in the US I can lean on for financial support during this difficult time. I am also a self-employed single mother and when I can't work, I don't earn money to pay my bills, including rent and food.

I don’t take this ask lightly. I’m someone who shows up for others with love, generosity, and integrity. Right now, I’m the one in need — asking for help to get through an ordeal I wouldn't wish on anyone.

A Closing Word from My Heart

I still love Mexico and its beautiful people, and I don’t want this story to fuel fear or stigma. But I do hope it will be a cautionary tale about the risks of dental tourism, even when intentions are good.

This has been such a challenging experience and I’ve cried many tears. I’ve been in pain every day for weeks and haven't been able to sleep on my left side for 7 weeks due to the pain and swelling, which has caused me weeks of terrible insomnia. I’m trying to keep my nervous system steady and my hope intact — but I’m also facing real fear, mounting anxiety, financial strain, and the emotional toll of not being able to work and serve my students.

Thank you for reading this. Thank you for sharing. Thank you for caring.

With love from my heart to yours,

Caroline