Wolf's Smile

If my Dad knew I was doing this he'd be upset, as he has always been the rescuer, however, at dinner last night he was in so much pain due to all the teeth he has lost in the last year that it's time to do something. My Dad, Wolf Weber, was diagnosed with non-alcoholic liver cirrhosis a few years ago, for which periodontitis is often a side effect; leaving his smile gaping. It is painful for him to eat anything more than liquids, albeit he tries. I can only presume it's also quite humiliating at 74.5 years old. 

Wolf Weber has been a volunteer for the Tavistock Braves Junior Hockey team for over 5 years, during which time he has spent days walking on foot, (even after a 2011 hip operation) in order to fundraise for the junior hockey team. Wolf is often brushed off as strange by many who choose not to look deeper, simply because of his thick accent, European hippie ways and old fashioned heart, which tends to stand out in a small Ontarian town.

My Dad has lived a great big life, experienced many wonderful places and people and given away all that he has, however the last 10 years saw much change in his winds of fortune, due in most part to how he looked after people close to him and he is now unable to repair his broken mouth. 

My Dad has lost what looks to be 1/3 of his teeth within the last year and what teeth remain are broken and sharp, causing him to painfully and consistently bite off skin inside his lips and cheeks. This periodontol damage is likely a side effect of the STAGE 4 NON-ALCOHOLIC LIVER CIRRHOSIS that he has been living with, which also causes blood blisters, (haematomas) swelling of his stomach, extreme itching, kidney failure, and other unmentionable difficulties.

Two weeks ago Wolf was volunteering at the Tavistock Braves golf tournament where someone pointed out to him that another tooth was falling out, which my Dad simply laughed off. Wolf does not have any dental insurance and albeit I have offered, he will not let me take him to the dentist. I believe he feels this way because liver replacement has been contraindicated in his case, meaning the specialists don't feel he would survive the proceedure; making dentures or otherwise feel redundant. Stage 4 Liver Cirrhosis is an end stage disease but it would sure be wonderful if my Dad could be returned some dignity and maybe even his smile. 

I really hope the people of Tavistock and surrounding area might kindly consider supporting my Dad Wolf, so that he can have his teeth and mouth repaired. Thank you so much for your time and your open hearts, as you consider a man who has given most his free time to the Tavistock Braves since moving to town in 2012.