Relieve a trans femme's tooth woes

My wife Autumn has been dealing with severe pain and sensitivity in her mouth for years. The last few months it has gotten so bad she’s basically been subsisting on sipping smoothies and eating cheese quesadillas and peanut butter. She has lost a significant amount of weight and besides going to work doesn’t allow herself many joyous activities because she’s worried about factors like cold temperatures, air conditioning or wind which impact her mouth pain. I am really worried about her.

From growing up poor, to being bullied for her teeth and watching her mother suffer medical and dental woes following a second brain injury, Autumn has a lot of dental anxiety and trauma. The sights, smells, sounds and even seeing the word “dentist” caused her to hyperventilate on the street. Seeing commercials on tv threw her into a spiral every time. Needless to say, the dentist is not something Autumn has been comfortable going to.

After some research, we found a place that took my job’s dental insurance AND was very familiar with dental anxiety. I talked to Autumn about it and waited until she was ready. One day in my arms crying, she said make the appointment so I called and did.

The dentist allowed me back in the room with her and was so genuine in their care, taking time to make sure she was ok to continue. That day Autumn was luckily able to get all the x-rays done of her mouth and a small general checkup.

When in the conference room discussing her care plan, the price tag was still very high, even with my job’s dental insurance. Our credit is still tanked from the expenses of living through the pandemic, especially since she was unemployed after a back injury from her prior job that she still suffers from daily. We applied for a loan at the dental office and were denied.

We both work and live paycheck to paycheck, barely covering utilities. I want the love of my life to get a quality of life & some confidence back with the relief of this pain she has suffered with for many years. We are asking for your help. Any dollar you can donate and any share of this fundraiser is greatly appreciated! Autumn & I thank you so much!

With love,

Kate