"Tough times never last, but tough people do!"

For years, I've lived with severe jaw dysfunction that makes simple things like eating, sleeping, talking, and even smiling challenging. It took multiple specialists and treatments over the past ten years to finally receive a diagnosis that explains the steady decline of my jaw function. I am one of the few who suffer from a rare degenerative condition called Idiopathic Condylar Resorption.

Idiopathic Condylar Resorption or "ICR" is an unexplained degenerative disease of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) that leads to the destruction of the mandibular condyles. The mandibular condyle is the bone that connects your mandible to your skull and is responsible for providing stability to support jaw movement. When bone loss occurs, the jaw retracts back, resulting in an open bite, recessed jaw, and a variety of chronic symptoms that negatively impact quality of life. Below is a short video about ICR.

Right now, my bite is very unstable, and only the molar at the very back on the left side touches, which limits what I can eat. I am one of the lucky ones who is still able to eat; however, I now have many limitations on what I can safely eat. My pain is manageable some days. Other days, I am happy to make it through the day and come home to my heating pad for some relief. The recession of my jaw has caused severe neck pain, narrowing of my airway, and changes to my facial appearance. The worst part of having ICR is the toll it has taken on my mental health.

ICR is characterized by periods of stability and then more resorption/bone loss, so unfortunately my condition will just worsen over time. There is no cure and there is no regrowing back the bone that I’ve lost. It is obvious that my pain and daily functioning have been getting progressively worse as time goes by.

To preserve my quality of life, bilateral total joint replacement has been determined to be the best course of action. This decision hasn't been taken lightly as it is a major surgery. The recovery is brutal, and I've been using every opportunity to mentally prepare for this undertaking. I've done my due diligence in finding a skilled surgeon to perform the procedure and have even met with a fellow jaw warrior who received the same surgery from the same surgeon to discuss her experience.

There are only a handful of surgeons who perform this surgery, and it is a miracle that I was able to find a skilled surgeon located just in Lehi. To put this in perspective, there are some states that have ZERO surgeons who perform total joint replacement.

I was just informed yesterday that my surgery and joints will be completely covered by insurance, as long as I meet my out-of-pocket max, another miracle. Some women have had to fight for months, years, to receive insurance coverage if at all. I've taken this as a sure sign that I'm making the right decision.

I need $2,000 to meet my out-of-pocket max. I'm setting my fundraising goal to $5,000 to help with my out-of-pocket max and to meet living expenses as I will be off work recovering for a couple months minimum.

I know times are tough for us all right now, so any contribution to my goal is very much appreciated. And if you can't contribute, I'm still beyond grateful you've read this far. ICR is a debilitating disease that needs greater awareness.

For me, the time is now to get this done and I am hopeful for a great outcome. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support. I love you all.