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Support Julie's Oral Reconstruction Journey

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I'm Julie. I've lived a complicated life — one marked by battles with addiction, eating disorders, and the consequences that followed: hospitalizations, lost jobs, damaged relationships, and health issues that have taken years to begin to heal.

Today, I'm in a different place. I work in senior care and love helping those, many of whom are underprivileged, in their final years live with dignity and joy. I've done the work — therapy, recovery, showing up for myself and others — and for the first time in decades, I can look in the mirror and say I like who I am.

But when I smile, I still feel broken.

Due to past health struggles and a hereditary condition (osteoporosis diagnosis at 24), my dental health has deteriorated to the point that I need full oral reconstructive surgeries. Eating is painful. Smiling feels shameful. My jawbone is compromised, and the teeth I have left must be removed and replaced.
I've found an oral surgeon willing to help: we've done the scans, the plan is in place, and the procedures, which are medically necessary, would be successful. But the cost is more than I can afford. I am asking for your help.
If you're able to donate — even a small amount — it would help me reclaim something many people (and I used to) take for granted: the ability to smile without pain or shame.

If you can't give, I understand completely.
Sharing this page with others would mean just as much.
With deep gratitude,
Julie
P.S. I never had a wedding or baby registry, so I guess this is my "registry for teeth." Ha!

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    Organizer

    Julie Ryan
    Organizer
    New Lenox, IL

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