Help Tony Smile Again: Support His Dental Surgery

Hi everyone, my name is Tony, and I never imagined that at just 25 years old, I would hear 3 words that would change my life forever, "You have cancer." Being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at such a young age was terrifying. The treatments were brutal, and while they saved my life, they also left me with lasting damage that I now have to live with every single day.

One of the most painful reminders of my battle is my teeth. The damage is severe. I deal with constant pain, difficulty eating, and the overwhelming insecurity that comes with it. Imagine struggling to chew even soft foods, wincing in pain every time you take a bite, or feeling self-conscious every time you open your mouth to speak. This is my reality. And the worst part? I can't fix it on my own. The surgery I desperately need is beyond what I can afford, and insurance won’t cover everything.

Recently, I discovered something I truly love—teaching. It has given me a sense of purpose and joy that I never expected. But every time I stand in front of my students, that joy is overshadowed by shame. When a student innocently asks, "What happened to your teeth?" I feel my heart sink. I try to smile through the pain, but deep down, I wish I could just look and feel normal. I don’t want my students to see me as ‘broken.’ I want them to see me for the passionate, dedicated teacher that I am.

This surgery would change my life. It would end the daily pain. It would give me back my confidence. It would allow me to focus on what I love—teaching—without fear of judgment or embarrassment. But I can’t do it without help.

The total cost of my oral surgery is close to $50,000, which is overwhelming. I’ve set this initial GoFundMe goal at $13,000 to cover the most urgent expenses, the first oral surgery to remove my remaining teeth, and take the first step toward getting the care I need. If we’re able to exceed this goal, every dollar will continue to go directly toward additional procedures and post-surgery recovery. Any support, whether through donations or sharing this campaign, means the world to me.

Please, if you can donate, I would be forever grateful. Even just sharing this page could make a huge difference. Every bit of support brings me closer to healing. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to read my story.