For the past year, I’ve known that I was heading toward a difficult but unavoidable reality. After surviving a stomach perforation that required intensive antibiotic treatment, combined with over eight years of medically necessary reflux medications, the long-term effects on my dental health became severe. Despite doing everything I could to slow the damage, I’ve reached the point where it can no longer be put off.

I now need full dental extractions and dentures. This decision has not been easy—emotionally or physically—but it is necessary for my health, comfort, and ability to move forward. As someone currently in nursing school, I understand the medical reasons behind what has happened, but coming to terms with it on a personal level has still been incredibly challenging.

My goal is to complete this treatment before school resumes in three weeks, so I can focus fully on my education and clinical responsibilities without ongoing pain or infection risk. After insurance and financing, I am facing a remaining cost of just under $4,000, which is what I am hoping to raise.

Any support—whether through a donation, sharing this page, or words of encouragement—means more than I can express. This experience has deepened my empathy as a future nurse, and I am committed to continuing my education and caring for others with compassion shaped by lived experience.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for being part of this chapter with me.