Hi everyone my name is Selma Bento, 7 months ago my twin sister Silvia started her battle to keep her smile. She was diagnosed with a terrible immune disorder called Sjögren Syndrome that is commonly identified with dry eyes and mouth. This caused severe decay and teeth loss despite oral care. This has lead my sister to a long journey involving long trips to UNC School of Dentistry in Chapel Hill NC a 3 hour trip each way from our town in order to get affordable care and treatment. Thanks to so many friends and family , Silvia was able to pay and receive the initial treatment. The healing process has been challenging and in this process it was found out Silvia needed the attention of a more experienced professional to address the need for bone grafting and 3 times more the work the school would be able to offer her due to Silvia’s complicated outcome. She will need at least 8 implants to hold the teeth in place as she experienced severe bone loss. Sadly this has also increased the cost of this necessary treatment at least 3 times than expected.
It breaks my heart to hear Silvia say “ let me go put more glue on my teeth lower gum so I can eat”, or go to a restaurant as ask for a knife and fork to eat a simple sandwich.
Silvia is the last one who would ask for help, as she has always being one to help anyone in need, but she is worth more than words can say.
One can say a person smile is everything and Silvia loves to work with people and always dreamed of having a perfect smile but beneath a smile one needs to properly be able to speak, eat and taste food.
I silently suffer seeing my sister still struggling with this 7 months after she lost all her teeth.
We ask for your help again. Any donation is deeply appreciated. We know it will all be ok in the end and it’s been a learning journey for her but it can be a lonely road. Please pray for her. Please help me help her. God bless you all. We love all of you. ❤️
It breaks my heart to hear Silvia say “ let me go put more glue on my teeth lower gum so I can eat”, or go to a restaurant as ask for a knife and fork to eat a simple sandwich.
Silvia is the last one who would ask for help, as she has always being one to help anyone in need, but she is worth more than words can say.
One can say a person smile is everything and Silvia loves to work with people and always dreamed of having a perfect smile but beneath a smile one needs to properly be able to speak, eat and taste food.
I silently suffer seeing my sister still struggling with this 7 months after she lost all her teeth.
We ask for your help again. Any donation is deeply appreciated. We know it will all be ok in the end and it’s been a learning journey for her but it can be a lonely road. Please pray for her. Please help me help her. God bless you all. We love all of you. ❤️
Organizer
Selma Bento
Organizer
Wilmington, NC