Sonia Iwanek's Dental Surgery
We’re calling on former students, friends, and colleagues of Sonia Iwanek to help give back to a woman who has selflessly given up so much for all of us. For the past two years, Sonia has undergone dental procedure after dental procedure, amassing serious medical debt, even with military health insurance. She has had almost all of her molars extracted and a few more will need to be taken out in the coming months. Without molars, Sonia’s entire sinus cavity has dropped, which has caused its own set of issues. Although she doesn’t like to let on how much pain she is constantly in, those close to her know that everyday is a struggle. Her pain management specialist has her on multiple doses of morphine and Vicodin throughout the day, but she rises and continues to provide her students the best education possible. Her pain has benched her from her training as a sponsored triathlete, but she has turned her energy to crafting and decorating her new home. Despite all the pain and suffering, Sonia has continued to prove to be the unbelievably strong, amazing woman we know and love so dearly.
On April 4, she underwent a major surgery: breaking and repositioning her jaw, a sinus lift, and multiple bone grafts (after the molar extractions,so is suffered a lot of bone loss and the grafts are necessary for future dental implants or dentures). This surgery has been postponed multiple times because of insurance issues and very nearly didn’t happen again because of financial and insurance obstacles.
Sonia’s dental journey doesn’t end here. Now begins the grueling 2 month recovery period, during which time she won’t be able to chew or eat solid food. After recovery, she will likely still need extractions on a couple more molars, which may mean more bone grafts. Her front teeth still have a few more months in braces, although we are hopeful that she may be able to switch to Invisalign for the last few months. In the future, she will also need dental implants, which remains a whole separate journey.
Any and all help will be greatly appreciated! If we are able to raise more money than needed for the medical expenses, the extra money will be donated to charity. 
