I want to be clear about something upfront: I’m not lazy. I earned a Master’s degree in Education and hold a secondary Social Science teaching credential. Many people assume teaching jobs are easy to get, but full-time positions in my field are actually very competitive. Looking back, I probably would have had more opportunities if I had specialized in math or special education, where demand is higher. Interviewing has never come easily to me, but that hasn’t stopped me from working hard. For the past 20 years, I’ve been a substitute teacher, doing my best to make a positive impact wherever I’m needed.

Five years ago, my life changed when I slipped on ice while delivering for DoorDash and suffered a serious shoulder injury. Three of my four rotator cuff tendons were completely torn and retracted. Specialists have told me the damage is too severe to repair with surgery.

Since then, I’ve lived with constant pain. Most nights, I can only sleep about two hours before the pain wakes me up. I have to get out of bed and move around for 15 minutes just to ease it enough to lie down again. This cycle repeats throughout the night, leaving me exhausted but still determined to keep going.

I’m currently under a pain-management contract with my clinic, which limits the kinds of jobs I’m able to take. Even with those restrictions, I haven’t stopped trying. I continue to search for work and do everything I can to support myself despite the daily physical challenges I face.

Recently, I’ve been hit with another challenge that has been incredibly difficult to face. I’ve lost all of my teeth, and I’m unable to tolerate dentures because they cause pain and trigger gagging. Without teeth, speaking clearly is extremely difficult, which has taken away my ability to continue substitute teaching, something I’ve done proudly for 20 years.

The shoulder injury was devastating. However, losing my teeth has been even more difficult. Most of the time I stay hidden in my bedroom, and when I do go out, I cover my mouth with my hand. Living without teeth has been harder than living with the shoulder injury.

Right now, I’m trying to find work where I can stay mostly out of public view and avoid speaking, but those opportunities are limited. There is a permanent dental solution called the 3-on-6 procedure that uses fixed prosthetic teeth rather than removable dentures. It would restore my ability to speak, eat, and function normally again, but the cost is about $30,000.

This situation is destroying my life. It’s worse than anything I’ve ever experienced. Please help me.