My name is Lisa, and I am honored to have been accepted to present my research on adolescent vaping at the International Symposium on Dental Hygiene 2026 this summer in Milan, Italy. This opportunity means the world to me—not only as a dental hygienist, graduate student, and researcher—but as someone who has experienced firsthand the devastating effects of lung disease.

In 2020, I lost my mom to COPD. She had smoked for most of her life, and when vaping was first introduced, her lung specialist recommended it as a healthier alternative. We believed it would help. Unfortunately, as research has continued to show, vaping carries its own serious risks—especially for young people.

My mom’s journey inspired me to dedicate my studies to understanding the health risks associated with vaping and to focus on prevention and education for adolescents. As dental professionals, we are often among the first healthcare providers to see the early oral health effects of nicotine use. My goal is to help raise awareness so that fewer families experience the loss and heartbreak that mine did.

Being able to present this research at an international symposium is a dream come true. However, the costs associated with attending—including conference registration, travel, lodging, poster creation, and shipping—are significant.

Any support, whether through a donation, sharing my story, or offering encouragement, means so much to me. Your support will help bring prevention-focused research to a global stage while honoring my mom’s memory and advocating for the health of future generations.

Thank you for being part of this journey.

Lisa Huitron

BSDH, RDH, RDA