Back in 2001, Miranda was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma 3 days after her 14th Birthday.  Treatment for this included chemotherapy and radiation between her abdomen and her nose.  As a result of the combined treatment (mainly the radiation), her teeth are decaying at an alarming rate.  Most recently they have begun falling apart and created difficulties eating and living.  Miranda currently has a team of prosthodontists, endodontists, and an oral surgeon working together to replace the teeth beyond saving and attempting to save what they can.  Miranda will need at least 14 implants and multiple surgeries.

At this point, she has already had six teeth removed and bone grafts.  The money will go to the remaining surgeries, the implants, and any supplemental work that will need to be done in between.   Our dental insurance does not cover most of these needed surgeries and procedures; moreover, they unfortunately do not count as a medical insurance issue.  Miranda and I are both teachers, blessed with two children, so our funds are not adequate to cover these expenses out of pocket.

This whole process is predicted to take at least three years depending on her healing rate.  Due to the radiation, it is taking longer than normal for Miranda's gums to heal.  There are other risk factors involved, which is why we needed a specialist that does not take insurance; however, we are lucky there have been none so far.