Most of you know her as Dawn, beautiful, strong, funny, and so fun to be around. I know her as Mom, and while she is absolutely all those things and more, she has been strong for too long and finally asking for the help and care she so, so desperately deserves.

You see, behind her beautiful eyes, gorgeous hair, and somehow always smelling like she walked out of a perfume ad, Mom has been struggling for years with medical issues. We all know she’s been very open about her heart attack, her brain surgery, her nerve damage, and her Chiari. However, she has been quiet about the other side of these issues and how they’ve affected her dental health.

For example, right now, we are sitting in the hospital because half of her face is so swollen from a quick-onsetting infection from two broken teeth. A few years back, due to her being unable to eat much from pain (from any and all of her medical issues), along with genetic predispositions, her teeth started to just break.

She stopped smiling. She no longer felt beautiful and confident. She became self-conscious of one of the most notable things about her—her big, beautiful smile that literally makes her radiate!

Not only did this all but totally break her spirit, it has also caused more stress and strain on her heart. On top of this is obviously more pain.

Mom hasn’t been able to work in almost 4 years. She’s completely unable. So she hasn’t been able to afford to get the teeth pulled that is needed, much less restore any.

My heart is tired of seeing my mother more miserable and suffering with things most of us have the privilege to never have to worry about. She can no longer play with the grandbabies because of pain, she couldn't actually smile at her daughters wedding in October and her quality of life as a whole has significantly declined.

So, here I am. Asking any of you, if you can spare anything, please donate to help my mom get the dental care and restoration she needs and deserves. If you cannot donate, please please please share wherever you can!

Thank you so much for taking the time to read her story!