Help My Brave Little Sister Smile Again: Urgent Dental Care Needed

Full tooth extractions, two bottom implants, full top and bottom dentures, plus any related follow-up care and medications. Any extra funds will go toward her ongoing therapy and support.

Dear Friends, Family, and Kind Strangers,

My name is Selena Whitman, and I'm reaching out from the bottom of my heart for help with my 15-year-old little sister, Destiny Goodman. This year, I took her in to give her the safe, loving home she deserves after enduring a childhood no one should have to face. She's been through unimaginable hardships—years of bullying, being a victim of sexual assault, and the lasting scars that come with it. These experiences have left her battling PTSD, severe anxiety, and major depression every day.

But here's the inspiring part: she's fighting back with everything she's got. We've started attending church together, where she's finding community and hope. She's in regular therapy sessions to process her trauma, and we're working with doctors on medication management to help stabilize her mental health. For the first time, she's opening up, making small steps forward, and even smiling more—when she can. We're at a turning point where she's ready to heal and thrive, but we can't do it alone anymore. We've stretched our resources as far as they can go, and now we need your support to overcome this next hurdle.

The biggest challenge right now is her dental health. Due to years of neglect and the toll her past has taken on her body, she needs extensive work: all her teeth removed, two implants on the bottom for stability, and full top and bottom dentures. At just 15, this isn't something we ever imagined. Still, it's essential for her to eat comfortably, speak clearly, and regain her confidence. Her face is swollen even with antibiotics, and within the last couple of days, her teeth have been breaking. Without this, her pain and self-consciousness hold her back from fully engaging in school, therapy, and life. The procedure will transform her quality of life, letting her focus on healing emotionally without the constant physical reminder of her struggles.

We've explored every option, and local resources are limited for something this specialized. That's why we're turning to GoFundMe. Your donation, no matter the size, will make a real difference. $25 will buy her soft foods, $50 covers pain meds post-surgery; $100 might help with a follow-up appointment every two weeks; $500 could chip away at the implant costs. If you can't donate, sharing this campaign with your network would mean the world.

Thank you for reading our story and for any help you can provide. My sister is a resilient, kind soul who's already come so far. With your generosity, she can keep moving forward, one step—and one smile—at a time. Let's show her that she's not alone.

With gratitude, Selena Whitman. You can reach me here or on Facebook @ Selena Diane.

Updates: We'll post regular updates on her progress—from the procedure through her recovery and beyond. Thank you for being part of her journey!