Hello! My name is Lake and my mouth SUCKS. Last Tuesday on 3/17, I went to the dentist thinking I just needed a simple filling because of a stubborn popcorn kernel. But what started as a routine visit turned into a nightmare. I spent 5 grueling hours in the dentist's chair for a double emergency root canal and even though the x-rays looked clear, the pain only intensified in the days after. It was as if a serrated knife was relentlessly being ground into my jaw, even while I was on heavy medication, and my suffering seemed endless.

Less than a week after that ordeal, I was forced to return for yet another emergency. We discovered I was allergic to the temporary crown from the first procedure. But that wasn’t all! Further examination revealed a tiny yet deadly hairline fracture that required an urgent extraction. My incredible dentist and dental team were so compassionate and didn’t charge me additional exam fees. They even credited my original payments toward the second emergency surgery but this has completely drained every penny I had saved (and more!)

I have been preparing to move internationally to reunite with my husband for quite some time now. It has been an extremely expensive and tedious process. Our first wedding anniversary falls on my 30th birthday, May 9th, and we were hoping to be reunited as close as possible to that date. This throws a huge wrench in those plans. My life is driven by a passion to help others through my work at a healthcare clinic and personal hours spent volunteering but right now, I’m overwhelmed. Multiple recent health crises and financial strain have collided into what feels like an insurmountable mountain.

Here’s the cost breakdown of all procedures:

Insurance covered: $1,138

Original emergency procedure (adjusted for insurance): $766

Second emergency procedure (adjusted for insurance): $1,767

I don’t expect to recover the full amount as I know that’s a lot to ask. But even the smallest contribution would mean the world to me. I don’t have PTO or the luxury of time to heal. I must return to work immediately, without rest, pushing through pain and exhaustion. Still, I’m determined to do everything I can by taking on any extra work I can find to help get back on my feet.

From the bottom of my heart, if you are able to offer any help, I would be eternally grateful. Even a share or a kind word would brighten my day! Thank you for hearing my story and for your compassion — it truly means everything <3