My name is Karalynn, and I’m starting this GoFundMe for my dear friend Marilee. I met Marilee back in 2014 teaching English in Ukraine. As we became friends, I learned about the health challenges she had been dealing with for years. Primarily, she had been dealing with a gastrointestinal disease that resulted in frequent vomiting. While gallivanting around Europe together, I watched her become ill several times. Despite her health challenges, I always admired how Marilee never let them stop her from living life to its fullest.

It’s been almost 12 years since we met, and Marilee has experienced various adverse health outcomes as a result of her chronic condition throughout that time. The most serious consequence of her frequent vomiting has been the severe dental erosion that has occurred. Three molars on the left side have already been removed. The right-side molar previously had a root canal and had fractured three times. As such, the right-side molar was treated twice by an endodontist but has unfortunately failed and must now be extracted. The tooth in front of the right molar has also had a root canal and now needs a crown to prevent infection or fracture.

Marilee is now missing five teeth total and can currently only chew on the right side. Most remaining teeth will require crowns, veneers, or other restorative treatment. Treatment will require multiple procedures and recovery time. Dental and medical providers have stated treatment is medically necessary, not cosmetic. This dental restoration is required to support nutrition, chewing ability, and long-term health.

The dental work required to support Marilee’s long-term health is expected to cost upwards of $15,000 USD. Due to Marilee’s health challenges, she has been unable to be employed outside of her home for the past few years. As such, she has been mostly self-employed working from home. However, the financial inconsistency of self-employment makes it very difficult to pay the amount required to restore her teeth, which will support her long-term health.

Please consider donating any amount towards the goal of $15,000 USD. Those funds will go directly to Marilee to help her pay for the dental restoration and support her during her recovery time.

Thank you very much for considering donating to my friend, Marilee.