Help a Brave Young Student Get the Dental Care She Desperately Needs

Dear Friends and Family,

I’m reaching out today with a heartfelt request for support—something I don’t do often, and only because this situation truly matters.

As many of you know, I’ve worked in education since 2007, focusing on supporting at-risk youth. Over the years, I’ve met many strong and resilient students, but one young lady I’m working with right now stands out in a powerful way. At just 17 years old, she’s graduating high school early—a huge achievement given the many challenges she’s faced, including being moved through various homes and institutions, often without the support most kids take for granted.

What’s especially urgent right now is her health. She’s been suffering from constant, intense dental pain. We were finally able to get her in to see a dentist, and they’ve created a care plan—but the cost is over $6,700, and there’s no way she or her family can afford it. She’s currently not eligible for free or reduced programs due to having been previously covered under her mother’s insurance, even though that coverage is no longer active and she’s essentially on her own now.

This is one of those painful “in-between” situations: she doesn’t qualify for help, but has no means to pay. And if this care is delayed, it could seriously affect her health and her ability to move forward at a time when she’s trying so hard to build a better life.

I wouldn’t be asking if I didn’t believe this was absolutely necessary. This young woman is incredibly motivated—she’s doing everything right despite a lifetime of obstacles. She just needs some help right now, and I’m hoping that together, we can lift this one burden off her shoulders.

Any amount you can give—truly, any—will be deeply appreciated. Every dollar makes a difference, and all funds will go directly to her dental care. I’m only sharing this with people I know and trust because I want you to feel confident that every contribution will go where it’s most needed: to help this student walk into her future healthy, pain-free, and with the dignity she deserves.

Thank you so much for reading and for considering a gift of any size. Your support means more than you know—not just to her, but to me as well.

With love and gratitude,

Jeremy Wilder