PLEASE HELP!!!

by Laurie Ennd
(Azusa,, California, USA)

Let me start by saying that I think what you are doing is the most wonderful thing you can do for any person in a situation regarding their teeth.

I am 50 years old, mother of 3 beautiful daughters who are 26, 25, and 13 years in age. I am also the very proud grandma of 3 of the greatest grandchildren, Joshua - 3, Ryan - 3, and Jennifer 2 years in age. I have been very blessed with my family.

When I was 12 years old, I was jumping on a pogo stick and the middle spring came loose and shot right up and hit me in my right from tooth and knocked half of it out.

I went to the dentist and he put a porcelain tooth and said that when I was 18, I should get it replaced. Needless to say, I never did and I still have that porcelain tooth at age 50. After that, I like most people growing up in the 1970's, used a lot of drugs, not knowing that years later, it really took a toll on your teeth. I have four teeth left on top. My two front teeth (one of which is the porcelain tooth), no teeth next to the front teeth, and a tooth on both sides next to the empty space of the front teeth. I have seven teeth on the bottom which are all loose and ready to fall out. I can't bite into anything because I'm afraid that they will just fall out in the food. It's very hard for me to eat anything because I have no back teeth at all to chew with.

I used to be the life of the party. I was always clowning around, joking and laughing. There was always a smile on my face. Now, I look like an old witch. My grandchildren are afraid of me when I do open my mouth. They run the other way crying in fear. I have become so depressed that I literally live in my bedroom. I got laid off my job the end of September and I can't even find another one because of my looks. You can see that the teeth are missing even when I talk to someone. It's very embarrassing when my 13-year old daughter wants to know why her mommy can't get a job. I can't tell her because of my teeth! I am on unemployment and I am barely making my rent, which leaves no money left over. I go to food banks so my daughter can eat. I can't get on Medi=Cal because they say I make too much money on unemployment! I don't even make $400 a week!

So that is my story in a nutshell. I'm not stating here that I am entitled to or deserve to receive this wonderful gift from you. I just wanted to let you know what I am going through every day of my life now. I don't want to look scary anymore. I want to have a loving relationship with my grandchildren without them running away in fear from me. I don't want to be so depressed that I can't function anymore. I want to be able to look in a mirror and smile. I want laughter back in my life. I want my life back in the worst way. I would do anything to have my smile back.

Thank you for reading my story and for your consideration and generous gift you will award. If not me, then I hope you award it to a person who will really appreciate your kind gesture.

Laurie Ennd


P.S. I didn't want to attach any photos because it is too embarrassing for me to even take a picture of myself. I hope you understand.