I first met Michelle 37 years ago when my husband and I worked as youth leaders in Northern California. Michelle was a 13-year-old girl ready to take on the world! She and I developed a very close mentor relationship. Four years later, Michelle had hopes of heading off to college with a scholarship in hand, but sickness in her family and other financial setbacks prevented her from doing so as she chose instead to stay home and care for her parents. Michelle and I lost touch for several years but were able to connect periodically.

Six months ago, we reconnected through a Zoom support group, and this is what I discovered.

Michelle, who is now 49 years old, is in need of major dental surgery which will necessitate the removal of her remaining teeth and existing partial bridge. She will need extensive implants and the reconstruction of her jaw to prevent her face from collapsing in on itself. She is on Medicare with minimal dental coverage. Michelle’s teeth and jawbone deterioration began 17 years ago when she was pregnant with her third child, Christopher, who was born with giant nevus, a rare skin disease, which depleted nutrition from Michelle’s body while pregnant. This situation was further complicated by Michelle’s existing auto immune deficiency.  

Michelle has been married for 29 years to her husband, David, who was recently diagnosed with an inoperable tumor (benign) on his spine. Michelle and David have faced more than their share of family illness which has severely depleted their finances, including Christopher’s most recent MRI to detect any cancer growth; Michelle is now on disability and David is currently only able to work 3 days a week due to COVIDs effect on his employer’s business. Michelle and David’s oldest son, Dominic, recently joined the military and their daughter, Michala, has moved back home to help her parents out.

The remainder of Michelle’s teeth must be removed within the next 12 weeks

 Michelle has been struggling with many fears about the loss of her jawbone, teeth, and the ability to chew food. She has had severe depression and feelings of insecurity as she no longer feels comfortable even smiling and conversing with others.  Because of increased pain and decay, her remaining teeth will need to be extracted within the next several weeks, and Michelle will soon be unable to eat solid foods or speak properly.

You can help to make a life changing difference for Michelle

I am asking on behalf of Michelle and her family for any donations you can provide to help pay for the almost $50,000 in dental, reconstructive surgery, and implants that Michelle needs. This surgery will enable the surgeons to restore Michelle’s beautiful smile, the ability to communicate with others, and the ability to chew and eat whole foods again. This surgery will be literally life changing for Michelle. 

          ************Surgery Cost Breakdown ************


Thank you for your giving hearts on behalf of Michelle!