Hi, my name is Alena “Ms. Bambii” Bartholomew,

and I’m reaching out with a humbled heart to ask for help restoring my smile — and my confidence, comfort, and peace of mind.

I work every day as a teacher and youth mentor, spending my time nurturing, guiding, and inspiring children. My smile is how I connect with them — it shows warmth, love, and reassurance. Sadly, I’ve been battling severe dental pain that’s made it hard to smile, eat, or even speak comfortably in front of my students.

What Happened

After sudden and intense pain in my upper front teeth, I was told I need:

• Two root canals (teeth #8 and #9)

• Core buildups and full porcelain/ceramic crowns to restore them

My dentist at Total Health Dental Care – Oakland confirmed that the damage is extensive and must be treated immediately to prevent infection and long-term issues.

Total Treatment Cost: $7,820

Insurance Coverage: ~$1,840

My Out-of-Pocket Portion: ≈ $5,900

How This Has Affected Me

The pain has made it difficult to eat, sleep, and work. As a teacher, communication and appearance are a big part of what I do — and it’s heartbreaking to feel self-conscious in front of the very kids I love teaching.

This experience has affected not only my health but also my self-esteem and ability to fully express myself. I miss being able to smile freely, laugh openly, and show my students that same bright energy I always encourage them to have.

Why I’m Asking for Help

Dental work of this magnitude is extremely expensive, and even with insurance and payment plans, I simply can’t cover the cost alone. I’m not asking for cosmetic perfection — just to relieve the pain and restore my ability to smile confidently again.

Your donations will directly help cover:

• Root canal therapy (x2)

• Core buildup and crowns

• Follow-up appointments and healing visits

Any amount helps — even $5 or $10 makes a difference. And if you can’t donate, sharing my story means just as much.

From My Heart

I teach my students every day that smiling is a superpower — it spreads joy, hope, and love. With your help, I can get my smile (and my superpower) back.

Thank you for reading, sharing, and supporting me on this journey toward healing.

With gratitude and love,

Alena “Ms. Bambii” Bartholomew

Richmond, CA

‍ Educator • Youth Mentor • Community Advocate