I'm 54 years old, and I haven't been able to really smile for the last 20+ years. I used to

always hear people say that they enjoyed to see me smile because I had such a beautiful

smile. It made me feel good hearing that. A little bit self conscious because I've never

been the kind of person who knew how to deal with compliments. I'd blush immediately.

But, regardless of how red my face would get from being put in the spotlight. It was still

a wonderful feeling to have family and strangers compliment me..

I don't hear those compliments anymore. For as long as I can remember, I do everything

in my power to not smile and show my teeth. And the reason for that is because I had a

really bad experience at a dentists office one day that has changed my life so drastically,

that I'm now just a shell of the person everyone used to know. I am terrified to go back to

a dentist. If I have to schedule a appointment to see a dentist, my anxiety immediately

starts to kick in. And it's not pretty. The closer I get to the day of the appointment, the higher the level of my anxiety is. Even if I know that I'm going to be put to sleep for the procedure, I start to find a reason to not go. This situation has gotten so serious, that my

health is taking a hard turn for the worse. I'm constantly in pain, I have developed a

pattern of recurring infections in my mouth that are extremely painful. And dentists

can't work on your teeth with an active infection. My denial insurance does not cover what I need done. So, I am left to deal with these problems on my own. I've basically

had to become a dentist on my self. And that is not an easy task. I won't trouble you

with the details of what I've been forced to do on my own. Most people who do have the opportunity to hear what I've had to do to myself, don't believe me.

I generally don't ask people for help. Especially when it concerns my mouth. That's

just how I am. But, now I'm really starting to get worried about my overall physical

health. I have maybe 7 teeth left, none are without a cavity, and all of them are broken.

I can't eat the foods I like. Or the ones that.keep me healthy. I can only eat.soft foods,

and can't drink anything nice and cold. And I live in Arizona. Cold beverages are a thing

of refreshing joy. I am constantly embarrassed to go out in public, or look speak to clients and customers when I had my.own business. I've been forced to fight my way

out of drug addiction. And I'm really scared that I might lose my life if I can't get this

taken care of. And I don't want to miss out on my grandchildren as they.continue to

grow up.

I am sincerely great full for any donation you can give.

Sincerely, Brandon