Help Sweet Tessie Smile Again!

Two weeks ago our beloved sister Tessie was in a terrible accident involving one of her horses.

On the day of the accident, the first responders immediately made the decision to transport Tessie to an out of network hospital because she needed a Level 2 trauma facility.

While our sweet Tess was in such pain and very confused, she was still so kind. Those who were at the scene said she held the face of the man who was up by her head getting her on the stretcher and made sure he knew how kind he was and how thankful she was that they were helping her.

They took her by ambulance to Salt Lake City where she was diagnosed with a severe concussion, facial fractures, and lost 2 of her front teeth with 2 more hanging by a thread!

Upon release from the hospital, Tessie had two dental appointments and was recommended to go see an oral surgeon. Before they could begin the process of teeth implants, her oral surgeon found that her buccal plate was so badly broken into pieces they had to take bone from her hip in hopes of regrowing bone so she could have teeth implants in the future. The oral surgeon also had to remove the two teeth hanging by a thread, bringing her lost front teeth total to 4!

This surgery has been incredibly uncomfortable for her. She cannot walk unassisted until her hip heals and the bone protein from the surgery has made her face swell painfully. The night before surgery, Tessie resolved to embrace this process and take it one day at a time. Her amazing attitude has been a great example to everyone involved in her care!

She must heal for 5 months before the implants can be attempted. Then once the implants are in, she must wait 4 more months until everything is stable enough for the new teeth.

As of 11:59 pm last night she aged out of her insurance benefits due to her 26th birthday today. The insurance company would not cover anything after her drop date, even if it was connected to the accident. So going forward, she can buy her own insurance plan and will have to meet her new deductible. This is challenging as Tessie can't work in her condition as per the doctors orders. 

From the first moments after the accident, our Tessie Belle has maintained her sense of humor, loving disposition, and conducted herself with grace. We want her smile to again match the beauty that is hers on the inside and out! Please donate today and help our sweet Tess smile again. Any amount helps and we are so grateful! If you prefer, her Venmo is @Tessgarrett