Help Silvia get her smile back

Hello There, giving you a bit of an update on Silvia’s need and progress.

My name is Selma and I just felt compelled to share

about my twin sister Silvia’s very critical dental issue going on as a result of dry mouth cause by having Sjögren syndrome a disorder of the immune system identified by two common symptoms dry eyes and dry mouth. Since the pandemic started, Silvia had been unable to have her teeth checked and despite taking care of it, due to her Diabetes and some medication she takes,it resulted in having generalized teeth decay which affected all her teeth and under her crowns. She was unaware of these problems and went to the UNC School of Dentistry for evaluation seeking better cost for services . She was told it did not look good. The UNC School of Dentistry told Silvia none of her teeth could be worked on! She would need all of them to be extracted and implant retained dentures placed due to bone loss, this is the only solution and their recommendation!Sadly, they don’t offer financial aid for dental services. They quoted 30K initially to put some implants in place but have recently re-evaluated her cost to 12800K , requiring a little more work along with a minimum of 4 implants (which she will need to hold down the retained dentures). Silvia has always had a dream of having a beautiful smile , she loves to work with people and since receiving her Religious Education in the Women’s Seminary in Rio. She has had a heart to serve God thru working with the Hispanic community which she does every chance she has, as a translator or volunteering in the community for whatever needs might be ! Silvia worked as a staff Religious educator with the First Baptist Church in Santos Brazil and then as a translator to International Crusades in our hometown in Brazil and also with the AMOR medical Missions in the Amazon(Amazon Mission Organization). While here in the US she worked 5 years with the Wilmington Baptist Association as a Hispanic outreach helping the underserved population in Southeastern NC. Why Am I sharing this? Silvia has a heart to give and never thought she would be in a position to need help like this. She is working hard to save funds but she can’t do it alone as dental treatments are so expensive!We are thankful for what has been raised so far but have encountered a little challenge. She trusts God for a successful outcome.

I am still in shock for what I heard the School of Dentistry tell Silvia. A person’s smile is everything! She has started the treatment and has a long road ahead. It’s been challenging already. Phase 2 coming up in October. Please pray for her.

Please help Silvia reach her goal of completing her dental treatment she so desperately needs.

God bless you!

Selma