Help Luna Get the Medically Necessary Braces She Needs

Help My Daughter Luna Get the Medically Necessary Braces She Desperately Needs

As a parent, there’s nothing harder than watching your child struggle and feeling powerless to fix it. This is one of those moments.

Two years ago, during what we thought would be a routine dental check-up, we were told that our daughter Luna would eventually need braces — not for cosmetic reasons, but because her mouth simply doesn’t have enough room for the teeth that are there, let alone the ones still coming in. We were told she would need a device to widen the roof of her mouth and full braces for at least 24 months. The orthodontist confirmed that this was medically necessary to avoid further complications with her teeth and jaw.

At the time, we were relieved to hear that her Native American benefits, through the Choctaw Nation, would cover the cost since it was a medical necessity. This was such a blessing for our family, as my husband and I do not have access to dental insurance through our work. We waited patiently, as instructed, until she turned 12 to begin treatment.

Now she’s twelve. We went back for the consultation, and everything we were told before still holds true — she urgently needs treatment. The plan was ready, and we were preparing to move forward. That’s when everything changed.

The orthodontist came back into the room and told us that the Choctaw Nation had defunded their orthodontic program. Just like that, everything we had planned for — everything we were depending on — was gone. There is no more coverage. We were heartbroken.

Asking for help is something I’ve always struggled with. Pride, fear of being a burden — it all makes this so difficult. But when it comes to my daughter, I will do whatever it takes. That’s why I’m here, humbly asking for your support.

We’ve attached the bill from the orthodontist to show exactly where every dollar will go. With the rising cost of rent, electricity, groceries, and everyday necessities, this is something we simply cannot afford on our own right now. But it’s something our daughter can’t go without.

If you’re able to help in any way — whether it’s through a donation or even just sharing this with others — it would mean the world to our family. Every little bit brings us one step closer to getting her the treatment she needs to grow up healthy and pain-free.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading, supporting, and caring.

With love,

Amber Rike, Luna’s mom