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Imagine losing the ability to open your mouth.

Something most people do without a second thought has become a daily struggle for me.

My name is Kathryn, and I’m fighting for the chance to open my mouth, eat normally, and live with less pain again.

In 1993, a devastating car accident crushed my face and changed my life forever. I underwent extensive facial reconstruction, and eventually, my right jaw joint was replaced with an artificial prosthesis.

More than 20 years later, that replacement joint is failing.

To make matters worse, I’ve developed a condition called ankylosis. Abnormal bone has grown around my replacement joint, attaching it to my skull and severely restricting my ability to open my mouth.

My natural left jaw joint has also deteriorated.

Today, I can barely open my mouth.

I can’t enjoy a normal meal. Yawning, talking, smiling, and even basic dental care have become painful challenges.

I rely on blended soups, smoothies, and nutritional drinks because chewing is no longer something my jaw can manage.

After three years of searching for a surgeon willing and able to take on my complicated case, I finally found someone who believes he can help.

My upcoming surgery will involve replacing my failing right jaw prosthesis with a custom-made joint, removing the abnormal bone attached to my skull, and using tissue from my abdomen to help prevent the bone from growing back. My left jaw will also require surgery in an effort to preserve the natural joint.

But now I’m facing another enormous obstacle: the cost.

My surgeon has estimated $24,502 for the procedure alone.

That estimate doesn’t include every additional expense, including anesthesia and the specialist needed to remove the bone attached to my skull.

I’m still waiting for answers from my insurance companies about what they will cover. Until those decisions are made, I have to prepare for the possibility of substantial out-of-pocket expenses.

Living on disability, I simply cannot afford these costs on my own.

Donations will help with surgical expenses, medical bills related to this procedure, prescriptions, recovery supplies, transportation, follow-up care, and the special liquid nutrition I need before and after surgery.

I’m not asking for a miracle. I’m asking for a chance.

A chance to sit down and enjoy a meal with my family.

A chance to yawn without fear of excruciating pain.

A chance to speak, smile, and open my mouth without constantly thinking about how much it’s going to hurt.

A chance to reclaim some of the everyday freedoms I’ve slowly lost.

I know times are difficult for so many people, and asking for financial help is not something that comes easily to me.

But even a $5 or $10 donation can help move me closer to my goal.

And if donating isn’t possible, sharing my story could help it reach someone who can.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for helping me fight to open my mouth again.

Support Kathryn's Fight to Open Her Mouth Again

<div>Curt Obenauer, my brother, has always been the kind of person who would lend a hand to anyone in need. Over the past few months, Curt has faced an incredible series of challenges—he underwent open-heart bypass surgery and, not long after, had both of his hips replaced. These three major surgeries have taken a toll on his health and his ability to work. Unfortunately, Curt has now exhausted his short-term disability benefits, and his long-term disability claim was denied because of a preexisting condition from birth. Curt was born with Legg-Calve Perthes disease, which affected his hips, and this is why his claim was denied. This means that, despite his determination to recover and return to work, he will be without any income for the next few months. 
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<div> The financial strain is significant, and we are hoping to help Curt cover his bills and transportation costs for physical therapy while he heals. One bright spot in all of this is that, for the first time in his life, Curt is now two inches taller—his doctors were able to stretch his hips and legs to match during the replacements. Still, the road to recovery is long, and we want to make sure he can focus on getting better without the added stress of financial worries.
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<div> As most of you know, Curt is a hard worker and would never ask for help himself. If you are able to donate, any amount will be deeply appreciated. If you can't donate, sharing this fundraiser with others would be incredibly helpful. Thank you so much for your support and kindness during this difficult time.
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Support Curt’s Recovery from Open heart and 2 Hip surgeries!

<div>My name is Alexis Birkner, and on February 14th, my family experienced a devastating loss due to a fire that started in the middle of the night.
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<div>In a matter of hours, years of hard work, savings, and irreplaceable memories were gone. My brothers, grandparents, and uncle lost thousands of dollars’ worth of property which are things they had worked their entire lives to build and care for.
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<div>My brothers are only 19 and 17 years old, but anyone who knows them knows how incredibly hardworking and dedicated they are. Every dollar they’ve earned has gone toward their passion for cars. The garage wasn’t just a place to store vehicles, it was where they spent countless hours learning, building, and creating memories with our late grandfather. Losing it means losing not only the vehicles and tools, but also a space filled with meaning and connection.
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<div>The fire destroyed:
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<div>•	Three Mustangs
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<div>•	A brand-new four-wheeler
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<div>•	Two additional four-wheelers
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<div>•	A dirt bike
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<div>•	Multiple vehicles, including Mason’s, Uncle Johnny’s, and our grandfather’s
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<div>•	Thousands of dollars in car parts and four-wheeler parts
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<div>•	An extensive collection of tools and recently purchased parts
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<div>This loss has been heartbreaking for our entire family, especially my brothers. They have poured their time, energy, and hearts into their work and their passion, and now they are facing the overwhelming task of starting over.
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<div>If you feel led to donate, share, or offer support in any way, our family would be beyond grateful. Every contribution, no matter the amount, will go directly toward helping them rebuild what was lost and begin again.
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<div>Thank you for your kindness, prayers, and support during this incredibly difficult time.
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Help Our Family Rebuild

<div>Please help pay for Hospital and Pharmacy bills for Steve Obenauer, anything is appreciated and we are truly grateful 

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Help Steve with Hospital and Pharmacy Bills

Theresa Obenauer McKnight

Theresa Obenauer McKnight

Theresa Obenauer McKnight

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