Hi, my name is Taylor Cole, thank you for taking a moment to hear my story. Asking for help is the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but I’m at a point where I can’t move forward any more without support.

For years, my teeth have been breaking, decaying, and causing constant pain. After multiple evaluations, I’ve been told that all of my teeth need to be removed and replaced with either dentures or “all-on-x”implants as soon as possible. I’ve received quotes ranging from $30,000 to $70,000, and I’m setting my fundraising goal at $50,000, hoping to cover as much as possible and find a way to save or finance the rest for as long as needed. I will pay this off for the rest of my life if someone will let me, haha!

I am additionally facing TMJ surgery or treatment in the near future due to advanced degradation of the joint, but this is already extremely vulnerable and hard for me and I don’t know how to bear asking for help in the first place, let alone face both of these terrifying hurdles.

So let me get on with the backstory of my teeth then….

I’ve struggled with mental health since childhood. I was diagnosed with ADHD combined type at 7, and between a chaotic home life, anxiety and depression at an early age, and the kind of forgetfulness that makes Dory look organized, my dental health slipped through the cracks early on.

Things worsened after I got braces. When they came off, I was left with discolored squares on all of my teeth — something that devastated me and fed into a deeper depression. Those spots became cavities, and over time, the damage spread beyond anything that could be patched or repaired. I also recently learned I’ve likely had sleep apnea for years, rapidly increasing the decline of my oral health. 

Now, my teeth are so fragile I’ve broken them on things as simple as tortilla chips. I’ve given up favorite foods, learned to eat painfully slowly, and grown used to constant discomfort. This problem isn’t going to go away on its own — it’s only getting worse.

My dental issues have slowly eaten away at my confidence and self-worth for over a decade. I avoid smiling, photos, talking closely to people, and in many moments, I avoid being seen at all. It’s difficult to look in the mirror and I have lost all self confidence. This makes me feel isolated in ways that are hard to describe.

I work part-time at a health food store, making $15 an hour. No matter how hard I try, I simply can’t get approved for financing like CareCredit, and I can’t save up anywhere near what this requires with the costs of living currently.

But despite everything, I’m not ready to give up on myself quite yet although this is a daunting mountain to climb.

So I’d like you to know a little bit about me, the girl I kind of feel like I’ve lost sometimes and who I am outside of my struggles. My name is Taylor Anne and I’m a (relatively) healthy 23 year old woman. I enjoy singing, painting, any time outdoors, working on cars or going to car meets and spending time with my amazing boyfriend or family. I love to help people and animals however I can, and I keep houseplants as a hobby, I have over 120! I’m currently searching for the industry that best suits my work preferences, but I work in the food service at present and will admit I love making people’s days just a little bit brighter.

I’ve always had a deep love and understanding for animals and nature. I’m an artistic soul at heart — I take wildlife and insect photographs, and I love capturing the beauty of the world. I also have a soft spot for cool or modified cars and the little details in life that most people overlook.

My story hasn’t been pretty, but I want it to continue and hopefully move in a positive direction. I want the chance to smile again, eat without pain, and live without this constant shadow of crushing doom over my life.

Every dollar donated will go toward:

• Removal of all teeth necessary

• “All-on-4” dental implants or dentures

• Scans, surgical appointments, and required dental procedures

• Medications, follow-up visits, and related care

This treatment wouldn’t just fix my teeth — it would give me back comfort, confidence, health, and the ability to fully live my life.

I want to be clear that I understand how I ended up here. My dental situation is the result of my own actions, choices, and the times in my life when I wasn’t able to take care of myself the way I should have. I’m not looking for sympathy for that — I’m just trying to take responsibility now and do what I can to fix it before things get even worse.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I know everyone has their own responsibilities and struggles, and it means a lot that you took a moment to hear mine.

Any support, whether through a donation or simply sharing this page or some kind words of encouragement, helps me move a little closer to finally getting out of pain and rebuilding something that’s deteriorated for far too long. My goal is to move forward with better habits, better stability, and a chance to feel like myself again.

Thank you for helping me take a step toward that.