My name is Heather, and I am raising funds for my daughter, Eira, who just turned four. Eira has already faced more than any child should. For nearly her entire life, she has been battling the effects of lead poisoning. Her blood lead level once reached 14.5 µg/dL, and it took three years to bring that number down to 3. Along the way, she struggled with developmental and behavioral challenges, needed Early Head Start and early intervention services, and worked hard for every milestone she reached. On top of all of that, Eira developed extensive tooth decay and has already undergone treatment on nearly her entire mouth. After a fall, she lost her two upper front teeth, and her four lower front teeth still need crowns.

I am trying to get Eira the specialized pediatric dental care she needs, including natural-looking options that have been difficult to access where we live in rural Pennsylvania. The closest pediatric dentist we have been able to see is about two and a half hours away, and Medicaid does not cover all the options we are seeking. I want Eira evaluated for four white zirconia crowns and a pediatric dental appliance to replace her missing upper front teeth, if those treatments are appropriate for her. Support from this fundraiser will help cover specialized pediatric dental evaluations and treatment, possible white zirconia crowns if clinically appropriate, a pediatric dental appliance if recommended, sedation, travel necessary to get her treatment, and ongoing dental care and related medical needs. I will share updates about the actual costs and Eira’s progress as we learn more.

I know I cannot undo what Eira has already been through, but I can keep fighting for her future. I want my daughter to have more memories of laughing than crying, more days spent playing than sitting in waiting rooms, and a childhood where she can smile without a care in the world. If you can donate, no matter how small the amount, you will be helping us move closer to that goal. If you cannot donate, please consider sharing Eira’s story. From one mother’s heart to yours, thank you for helping me give Eira something every child deserves: a reason to smile.