Hello, my name is Joy Murphy, and I’m fundraising for an urgent oral surgery that I simply cannot afford on my own.

For years, I’ve struggled with severe dental issues caused by a genetic disorder. After years of pain, infections, and countless visits, I’ve now had four different dentists and three oral surgeons all tell me the same thing: the only solution is to remove all of my remaining teeth and replace them with dentures. At first, I was in denial. I didn’t want to believe this because, I’m still young and I never thought I would face something like this. But over time, the truth became undeniable: my teeth are not only painful, they’re making me more sick.

My primary dentist and doctor both explained that my dental issues are directly connected to other health struggles I face, including stomach ulcers, IBD, and repeated gastrointestinal flare-ups. The infections in my mouth mean constant antibiotics, pain medications, and added strain on my body. In the past year and a half alone, I’ve been hospitalized multiple times due to painful GI problems. My body is exhausted from constantly fighting infections, and I won’t truly have the chance to heal until this surgery is done. My IBD won’t disappear completely but this surgery would help stop the ulcers from forming and calm down the painful flares and inflammation and I’d no longer have to keep taking antibiotics off and on.

I’ve tried everything to make this possible on my own. A few months ago, I was approved for a loan that required a large down payment that I didn’t have at the time. I worked hard and saved every bit I could for three months, but when I finally had the funds and reapplied, I was denied without explanation. It was devastating. I know $10,000 is a big amount of money to raise. To be transparent/completely honest, it’s actually $15,000 total but I will have $5000 taken care of from savings and insurance coverage. I just know that I need to get this done asap and I cannot raise the rest alone.

This isn’t about vanity. This is about survival, about my health, and about finally being free from the pain and health issues that have controlled my life for so long. The cost of the procedure is overwhelming, but I have to be humble and admit I cannot do this alone. I’ll be honest, this is also very hard to write because I feel awkward asking for help and I feel really insecure about my teeth. It’s the first thing people look at when I speak. But overall, I’m at a point where something must be done, and I can’t do it without help.

If you’re able to give, no matter the amount, please know it would mean the world to me and bring me one step closer to healing. And if you can’t donate, simply sharing my story could make all the difference.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for taking the time to read this and for caring enough to support me in any way you can. May God bless you in the ways you need most.

With endless gratitude,

Joy Murphy