No one should go without a smile - Help Jola's Journey

If you are taking the time to read this, I would like to start by saying "Thank you". I have created this page to help someone who is very near and dear to my heart, my cousin Jola. My cousin is in desperate need of full dental implants. She is 62, divorced, a grieving mother and spends most of the time indoors, away from family gatherings, friends and any social activities because she is so self-conscious about her teeth and smile. She used to work in pre-school and retail stores, but she has stepped away from that, too, due to her disc injuries in her spine. She is currently waiting for her knee replacement, but with the public system it may take up to 5yrs. 7 years ago, Jola has also lost her 34-year-old daughter due to the cancer battle leaving behind a 5-year-old little girl. As a grieving parent, depressed feelings of sadness, despair, helplessness, loneliness and wish to die are quite common.

Due to lack of self-confidence, Jola became isolated, feeling lonely and detached from any social activities, all these has affected Jola's psychologically and she has lost her self-esteem. We all know how important our smiles are, what an impact they can have on others, and while I'd like to be able to say we live in a world where we are not judged for our outward appearance, it's just not true. I want her to be able to walk outside and not wonder what people are thinking of her. I want her to smile confidently, to spend more time with family and friends, and experience life as much as she can. She has had dentures in the past, but they haven't fit correctly and caused her a lot of discomfort resulting in non-stop vomiting and reflux problems. Starting in January she has rapidly lost bone in her jaw and her gums. She can’t eat normally, it’s too painful, it’s hard to talk, and was told by her oral surgeon that she needs implants as soon as she can get them. It’s imperative that she gets implants before her jawbone deteriorates anymore. She has managed to get some financial assistance of $16,000 but she still needs $8000. I know it's a big ask, but I'm shooting for the stars, and no one should ever have to hide their smile. Let's help Jola with her happiness. Any assistance is greatly appreciated.