We are aware of Katie’s financial struggles associated with her TMJ. Therefore, we would like to help alleviate some of the financial burden. Please read her story below…..

In March 2025, Katie was diagnosed with advanced arthritis in both jaw joints. As many of you know, Katie has been suffering with TMJ issues since she was a teen. In 2008, she underwent reconstructive jaw surgery to correct issues with her bite and to improve her symptoms. While this provided some years of relief, Katie has been having complications since 2021. Having many appointments with her family doctor at Shamrock Medical Clinic in Ferryland, dentists Dr. Vinay Jerath, Dr. Hilary Williams & Dr. McCarthy and finally getting into specialist, Dr. Samim, after a lengthy wait, she now faces another challenge with her jaws.

Dr. Samim diagnosed Katie with advanced arthritis of the jaw joints, after x-rays, CT scans and consolations. Symptoms Katie has suffered with are chronic pain, headaches, tension and muscle spasms and neck issues.

The prognosis has two possible outcomes; one is total joint replacement surgery, which they are trying to avoid if at all possible, due to Katie’s age, seeing as the replacement only last about 15 years, along with limitations of movement if joints are replaces.

The other option is a treatment plan that consists of many different types of procedures: CT scans, alignment appliance (splint), plasma replacement therapy, where they take Katie’s blood, remove the plasma rich cells and inject them directly into the jaw joints, trigger point injections & laser treatment.

If successful, Katie will have regrowth in her jaw joints, which will alleviate the constant pain, tension, locking and clicking in her jaw, along with chronic headaches & neck pain.

Unfortunately, MCP doesn’t cover this treatment because it is considered “dental” and while Katie has insurance through her work, the company doesn’t cover her treatments. So far, this has cost almost $4000 for diagnosis and treatment, not including travel to St. John’s. Monthly treatments are estimated at $1,400 per month.

We all know that Katie gives 110% to her community and is always the first to help others in need. As her friends, we see firsthand that Katie is now in need of some financial help, as she undertakes this diagnosis & the road ahead.

While the timeline is unknown for end of treatment , the guarantee of financial burden is there. Please consider donating to help everyone’s friend, a devoted teacher, community volunteer & the kindhearted, Katie Barbour.