Operation Return Johns Smile! (And Oliver's Toast buddy)
Donation protected
Hi,
My name is Colleen and this is my dad John. In 2016, my dad became ill with idiopathic angioedema, a swelling condition that affects his throat and tongue, as well as amyloidosis, a disease that causes proteins to build up, specifically in his tongue. For the past 8 years, my father has suffered frequent swelling attacks in which his tongue swells to several times its size. It is painful and damaging. Four years ago, he was fitted with a permanent trachea to allow him to have an airway during the swelling attacks, as his tongue grows over his airway, making breathing through the nose and mouth impossible.
The consistent tongue swelling has caused severe damage and compacting of his teeth. As of today, he has lost 13 teeth, mostly in his front, back, and bottom row. My father cannot properly chew and has been placed on restrictive diets that accumulate to soup and pudding. This has been a detriment to his best friend Oliver, his dog, who became used to sharing morning toast with my dad every day.
My father is in need of a maxillofacial surgery in which a surgeon will remove the remaining teeth, which are beginning to decay, and implant a new top and bottom row. The cost of the surgery is over $50,000.00. My father's dental insurance only covers $2,000. We do not want to ask for more than we need, so we are asking for $30,000.
I am wanting to help pay him back for everything he's done for us.
My dad is not one to ask for help. He worked like a machine for 40 years in the steel and manufacturing industry to support me, my brother, and my sister. Because of him, we have all recently graduated college and are standing on strong foundations. We are workhorses because he taught us to be, and we all have a good sense of humor because he always does. Even after he got sick, he was still always the one making us laugh. We are trying to help pay him back for everything he's done for us, and we could use some help.
He loves golf, iced tea, and his dog Oliver.
Organizer
John Carroll
Organizer
Akron, OH