Hi, I’m Nicole, and I’m reaching out on behalf of my dear friends, Chelsea and Mike Conklin — two of the kindest, most hard-working people you could ever meet. If you’ve had the blessing of knowing them, you already know the warmth, strength, and love they bring into the world.

Right now, they’re facing something no parent ever wants to face: watching their child suffer and not being able to fix it alone.

Their sweet little boy, Mikey, needs extensive dental work. He’s only a child, but he’s already enduring pain from multiple cavities throughout his mouth. This isn't from a lack of care — Chelsea has been diligently brushing his teeth twice a day since his very first tooth came in. The dentist believes the cause is a specific bacteria in his mouth — something completely out of their control.

Still, as a mother, Chelsea carries a heavy weight of guilt. Before Mikey was born, she bravely battled cancer and underwent aggressive chemotherapy. While doctors can’t say for certain, there are studies suggesting that chemotherapy may be linked to certain conditions in children — including issues like these. Whether or not there’s a direct connection, one thing is painfully clear: her child is hurting, and she can’t take that pain away.

No parent should have to feel that kind of helplessness.

Mike and Chelsea are doing everything they can. Mike works long hours and takes every bit of overtime he can get. He also volunteers as a firefighter for Greenwood Lake — always giving to his community, even while his own family struggles. Chelsea, a dedicated occupational therapist, recently returned to work but is still building up her client base. They’re trying so hard, but this dental procedure is simply out of reach right now.

Their insurance won’t cover the dental work. The amount we’re asking for is the cost of Mikey’s treatment — with the hope that insurance might cover anesthesia, though that’s still uncertain.

This is why I’m turning to you — to our community, our friends, and to the hearts of people who understand that sometimes even the strongest families need help.

If you can give, please do. Every little bit brings them closer to relief — and brings Mikey one step closer to being pain-free. And if you can’t donate, please consider sharing this with others who might.

Let’s show the Conklin family that they’re not alone — that their village is here, ready to carry them through.

With love and gratitude,

Nicole