Jade's Dental Journey: A Survivor's Need

Hello everyone!

My name is Jade Horn, I'm 24 years old and pursuing my Master's Degree in Entomology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Additionally, I am enrolled in a doctorate program (The Doctor of Plant Health Program) at UNL. I will be the first person in my family to achieve a masters degree! I am asking for your support in multiple dental procedures so that I can maintain a healthy lifestyle and obtain the goals I have set for myself.

My story:

At the age of 12, I began to get very sick. For about 8 months, I was consistently at the doctor 2-3 times a week for headaches, lack of appetite, jaw pain, and sleeping anywhere from 12-16 hours a day. After fighting for many months, my mother and I were finally referred to another specialist in another city.

Little did we know, that appointment would change our lives forever. Within 15 minutes of meeting with this doctor, she said, "I know that you don't know me, but I need you to trust me. You need to go across the street and get admitted into the hospital. Your daughter has cancer, and if you give me 48 hours, I will be able to diagnose what type and get started on a treatment plan".

My mother and I checked me into the hospital within the hour, with nothing but the clothes on our backs. We were an hour away from home and had no idea what was about to unfold. Within the week, my head was shaved, and I underwent surgery to get a port put in alongside a g-tube. We were told I had Stage 3 Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma.

We stayed at the hospital for 3 weeks straight before I was able to go home and adjust my life to the news.

Thankfully, after about 9 months of chemotherapy and radiation treatments, on December 12th, 2012, I was told I had successfully beaten the cancer.

Although this is great news, cancer treatments are hard on the body (and mind). I have struggled with severe hearing loss in both ears (and recently undergone a cochlear implant surgey on the right side) as I am prone to chronic ear/sinus infections that are impacted by the use of traditional in-ear hearing aids, and a variety of issues regarding food consumption (lack of saliva production and difficulty swallowing), and a plethora of dental issues as my teeth are rotting from the inside out due to radiation therapy.

I have already had 7 of my bottom teeth removed; however, my current dentist said that if I want to save my top teeth, I'll need to act now. The estimated cost of these dental procedures is $11,000. I am asking for your support so that I can live a healthy and fulfilling life.

Additionally, I am saving up to get a bottom implant for my bottom teeth. This will require them to pull the remaining teeth and implant metal rods into my lower jaw. Similar to my top teeth, this is a time-sensitive thing. If I wait too much longer, I will no longer have enough bone density for the implant. This procedure is estimated to be around $18,000.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Your support will not only help me maintain my health but also allow me to continue pursuing my academic and personal dreams. I am determined to make the most of the opportunities ahead and achieve the goals I've set for myself, but I can't do it alone. Every contribution, no matter how small, will make a difference in my journey to overcome these challenges and create a brighter future. Your kindness and generosity mean the world to me, and I am deeply grateful for your consideration. Thank you for helping me take the next steps toward a healthier and more fulfilling life.