Help Build A Set of Pearly Whites!
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Help Mike get a set of pearly whites!
Mike is my cousin, and I love him dearly. Mike has Cerebral palsy which is a physical disability that affects body movement, muscle control, muscle coordination and muscle tone. Mike's CP has left him with the inability to speak or walk and has very limited mobility of only one arm and hand. Mike also suffers from seizures. Regardless of Mikes physical disability he is an incredibly independent and intelligent person, with a fantastic sense of humor and the biggest hearts known to a human being.
At the age of 40 Mike had to have all his teeth removed do to rot and infection (resulting from the CP, and it was a horrible experience for him). Once he healed, Mike was looking forward to a nice set of pearly whites fitted for his smile. However, due to his seizures dentist will not allow him to have dentures (as he could swallow them and choke). His alternative is to have dental implants. The only problem with this option is that it is extremely costly. (In Mikes case about $25,000)
Mikes only means of livelihood is AISH (Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped-a program provides financial and health-related assistance to eligible adults with a disability). AISH does provide him with monthly funds, however these funds barely cover the cost of his residence home, clothing, toiletries, and very very few extras. Now, you would think that AISH (a program that is suppose to provide financial and health related assistance to the disabled) would provide the means for Mike to have teeth.????? Wouldn't you? Well, You would be wrong!!!
AISH will not fund dental implants for Mike as they consider them cosmetic. I don't know about you but eating mush for food for 3 years doesn't sound like a case of wanting teeth to look handsome, but perhaps to have some sort of improved quality of life. Now get this......AISH will provide funds for a set of dentures even though he might choke and die with them, but not implants..... go figure. (They won't even give MIke the money they would give him for dentures towards implants.)
For 3 years we have been appealing AISH's decision. During this time, regardless
of Mike's extremely limited income, Mike has managed to save $10,000 (incredible). We were hoping we could of saved enough or have AISH come through before Mikes scheduled surgery date. Unfortunately, neither seem very promising, as Mike is scheduled for surgery in March/April. So, this is our last option.
There are very few things in life that Mike can indulge in. Enjoying food and being around people were two of them. With no teeth Mike's diet is very restricted, eating nothing but mashed up food and liquids. And because he is self conscious about having no teeth he does not enjoy being out and about as much as he used to. I am hoping that you would be willing to help him enjoy these things again. There is strength in numbers, every little bit counts. Please help me get this exceptional man, of only 43, his implants so he can once again smile with dignaty and pride and enjoy a big juicy hamburger, or slice of pizza.
Mike is my cousin, and I love him dearly. Mike has Cerebral palsy which is a physical disability that affects body movement, muscle control, muscle coordination and muscle tone. Mike's CP has left him with the inability to speak or walk and has very limited mobility of only one arm and hand. Mike also suffers from seizures. Regardless of Mikes physical disability he is an incredibly independent and intelligent person, with a fantastic sense of humor and the biggest hearts known to a human being.
At the age of 40 Mike had to have all his teeth removed do to rot and infection (resulting from the CP, and it was a horrible experience for him). Once he healed, Mike was looking forward to a nice set of pearly whites fitted for his smile. However, due to his seizures dentist will not allow him to have dentures (as he could swallow them and choke). His alternative is to have dental implants. The only problem with this option is that it is extremely costly. (In Mikes case about $25,000)
Mikes only means of livelihood is AISH (Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped-a program provides financial and health-related assistance to eligible adults with a disability). AISH does provide him with monthly funds, however these funds barely cover the cost of his residence home, clothing, toiletries, and very very few extras. Now, you would think that AISH (a program that is suppose to provide financial and health related assistance to the disabled) would provide the means for Mike to have teeth.????? Wouldn't you? Well, You would be wrong!!!
AISH will not fund dental implants for Mike as they consider them cosmetic. I don't know about you but eating mush for food for 3 years doesn't sound like a case of wanting teeth to look handsome, but perhaps to have some sort of improved quality of life. Now get this......AISH will provide funds for a set of dentures even though he might choke and die with them, but not implants..... go figure. (They won't even give MIke the money they would give him for dentures towards implants.)
For 3 years we have been appealing AISH's decision. During this time, regardless
of Mike's extremely limited income, Mike has managed to save $10,000 (incredible). We were hoping we could of saved enough or have AISH come through before Mikes scheduled surgery date. Unfortunately, neither seem very promising, as Mike is scheduled for surgery in March/April. So, this is our last option.
There are very few things in life that Mike can indulge in. Enjoying food and being around people were two of them. With no teeth Mike's diet is very restricted, eating nothing but mashed up food and liquids. And because he is self conscious about having no teeth he does not enjoy being out and about as much as he used to. I am hoping that you would be willing to help him enjoy these things again. There is strength in numbers, every little bit counts. Please help me get this exceptional man, of only 43, his implants so he can once again smile with dignaty and pride and enjoy a big juicy hamburger, or slice of pizza.
Organizer
Tammy Booth
Organizer
Sherwood Park, AB