The following stories are from real ADC patients who have agreed to let us share their photos and stories so that the community may be thanked for their support and more people made aware of the large group of uninsured, working individuals and families who have to neglect dental care because traditional costs are not possible on their income and budget.
Many of the patients featured below have received additional financial support from our Agape grant fund. Their dental care was made possible by our community supporting each other. Thank you for making a difference in these lives and more. One smile at a time, we are restoring hope, health, and opportunity.
Many of the patients featured below have received additional financial support from our Agape grant fund. Their dental care was made possible by our community supporting each other. Thank you for making a difference in these lives and more. One smile at a time, we are restoring hope, health, and opportunity.
Victor Enrique. Age 8.
Victor Enrique arrived in the United States around 6 months before he visited ADC. He came from El Salvador with his mother and 18-month-old sister looking for a better life. He started school right away and he really enjoys it. Unfortunately, he had an accident while playing with his friends and his family could not afford to pay for a typical surgeon. Although his mom works hard taking care of his sister and another little girl and his uncle does what he can to cover their basic needs, Victor Enrique has never been to the doctor before. For now, they are prioritizing the basic necessities like food and a home where they can be together as a family, but they hope to improve their current situation so that Victor Enrique and his sister can eventually go to college. So far, he is adjusting well to a new language and a new culture. He is thankful to God, his mom, and ADC for helping them in this situation. He visited us around the holidays and made sure to wish us “bendiciones y felices fiestas!"
Because of transportation and scheduling circumstances, we got to spend a few hours with Victor Enrique and his sister! He colored in our reception area, chatted with us, and helped take care of his sister. He is a very caring older brother and a sweet kid. What a joy it was to have these two around!
Part of Victor's treatment was supported by funds collected at Deerfield Elementary in a penny war for National Children's Dental Health Month. Thank you, Deerfield students and families, for supporting kids like Victor Enrique! #kidshelpingkids
Victor Enrique arrived in the United States around 6 months before he visited ADC. He came from El Salvador with his mother and 18-month-old sister looking for a better life. He started school right away and he really enjoys it. Unfortunately, he had an accident while playing with his friends and his family could not afford to pay for a typical surgeon. Although his mom works hard taking care of his sister and another little girl and his uncle does what he can to cover their basic needs, Victor Enrique has never been to the doctor before. For now, they are prioritizing the basic necessities like food and a home where they can be together as a family, but they hope to improve their current situation so that Victor Enrique and his sister can eventually go to college. So far, he is adjusting well to a new language and a new culture. He is thankful to God, his mom, and ADC for helping them in this situation. He visited us around the holidays and made sure to wish us “bendiciones y felices fiestas!"
Because of transportation and scheduling circumstances, we got to spend a few hours with Victor Enrique and his sister! He colored in our reception area, chatted with us, and helped take care of his sister. He is a very caring older brother and a sweet kid. What a joy it was to have these two around!
Part of Victor's treatment was supported by funds collected at Deerfield Elementary in a penny war for National Children's Dental Health Month. Thank you, Deerfield students and families, for supporting kids like Victor Enrique! #kidshelpingkids
|
|
Anna. Mother of 3. Widow. 2018 Recipient |
Trevor. Age 9. He loves football. 2018 recipient
Trevor's mom lost her dental insurance when she went part time in order to care for her sick mother.
Her older son had a toothache. When she brought him to the local dentist, she was given options to save his permanent molar. She wanted to but she simply could not afford it. So when Trevor began having the same symptoms, she reached out online with a Facebook post "Looking for an Affordable Dentist". We were tagged in the post and Trevor was seen in our office the following day.
Trevor was the recipient of an Agape Grant provided by the Deerfield Elementary students through a penny war in February, which is National Children's Dental Health Month. The students grade K-6 raised enough money to cover all of Trevor's treatment, which saved his molar.
Students, principal, teachers, mom, Trevor-- you are all amazing and inspiring!!
#kidshelpingkids
Trevor's mom lost her dental insurance when she went part time in order to care for her sick mother.
Her older son had a toothache. When she brought him to the local dentist, she was given options to save his permanent molar. She wanted to but she simply could not afford it. So when Trevor began having the same symptoms, she reached out online with a Facebook post "Looking for an Affordable Dentist". We were tagged in the post and Trevor was seen in our office the following day.
Trevor was the recipient of an Agape Grant provided by the Deerfield Elementary students through a penny war in February, which is National Children's Dental Health Month. The students grade K-6 raised enough money to cover all of Trevor's treatment, which saved his molar.
Students, principal, teachers, mom, Trevor-- you are all amazing and inspiring!!
#kidshelpingkids
Vicky. 40 years without seeing the dentist. Self esteem: Nil.
2018 recipient
Vicky came to Affordable Dental Care (ADC) after hearing about our clinic and mission on news channel NBC15. Her medical doctor implored that she go see a dentist because her entire body was suffering from what he believed stemmed from dental conditions. She came to us after 40 YEARS of not having been to the dentist. "My self esteem is nil," she told us in regards to how her smile affected her. She and her husband both work but their incomes don't cover enough for dental care, nor do they qualify for government aid. They are the sweetest, most grateful people and we could not be more thrilled to see the transformation of her smile and health through many wonderful visits together!
Midway through Vicky's treatments with us, their apartment building caught fire, killing one infant in the building. Thankfully they didn't loose anything in comparison to a life, but they did have to stay out of the building for a time, yielding unexpected expense. "It was a treat to have cable at the hotel though", added Brett, Vicky's kind and supportive husband.
2018 recipient
Vicky came to Affordable Dental Care (ADC) after hearing about our clinic and mission on news channel NBC15. Her medical doctor implored that she go see a dentist because her entire body was suffering from what he believed stemmed from dental conditions. She came to us after 40 YEARS of not having been to the dentist. "My self esteem is nil," she told us in regards to how her smile affected her. She and her husband both work but their incomes don't cover enough for dental care, nor do they qualify for government aid. They are the sweetest, most grateful people and we could not be more thrilled to see the transformation of her smile and health through many wonderful visits together!
Midway through Vicky's treatments with us, their apartment building caught fire, killing one infant in the building. Thankfully they didn't loose anything in comparison to a life, but they did have to stay out of the building for a time, yielding unexpected expense. "It was a treat to have cable at the hotel though", added Brett, Vicky's kind and supportive husband.
Gayle. Caring for everyone before herself. 2017 Recipient
A single mom of 4 took care of her family by providing in-home daycare. "I made sure my kids always went to the dentist." Gayle had excellent homecare but years of not being able to afford the dentist made small dental needs turn into large ones. About 3 years before coming to ADC, Gayle decided it was finally time to get her teeth taken care of. She visited a local dental clinic and was treated very well, but she never went back. The transmission in her car went out and she simply could not afford the thousands of dollars on her treatment plan. Gayle's happy spirit radiates from her smile, which she no longer hides behind her hand. You're BEAUTIFUL! Thank you for letting us be a part of your health journey! <3
A single mom of 4 took care of her family by providing in-home daycare. "I made sure my kids always went to the dentist." Gayle had excellent homecare but years of not being able to afford the dentist made small dental needs turn into large ones. About 3 years before coming to ADC, Gayle decided it was finally time to get her teeth taken care of. She visited a local dental clinic and was treated very well, but she never went back. The transmission in her car went out and she simply could not afford the thousands of dollars on her treatment plan. Gayle's happy spirit radiates from her smile, which she no longer hides behind her hand. You're BEAUTIFUL! Thank you for letting us be a part of your health journey! <3
|
|
Aubrey. 10 years old- experiencing the trauma of tooth pain and home flooding all at the same time. 2018 Recipient In 2018, Wisconsin experienced severe flooding in many areas. Aubrey's family was in the middle of an evacuation notice when she woke up in the middle of the night with a toothache. Her family of 8 doesn't have dental insurance, despite the fact that both of her parents work. Aubrey's mom is giving back to kids day in and day out as a local school bus driver. The morning after Aubrey woke up with the toothache, we were able to see her and get her out of pain. Aubrey is happy, brave, and smiley -- the kind of patient you LOVE to have in the office! She also loves animals. We chatted with her mom as she waited (probably hoping for some rest instead of conversation, LOL!). We quickly realized the devastation they were going through, literally exhausted from moving their belongings upstairs as the waters rose. Getting Aubrey taken care of that day through an Agape grant was the perfect example of how the community takes care of each other. <3 |
Rick. "If your inner voice tells you you can't paint, then by all means paint and the voice will be silenced." Van Gogh
Rick learned about ADC at the annual spring Touched Twice ministry, where he and his wife have come for dental cleanings. He needed more extensive dental care involving lab work and multiple appointments, which made ADC a great option for him. His wife, Diane, works at a local grocery store and Rick recently started a new venture selling affordable camping and outdoor supplies. This allows him to work from home, which is an incredible opportunity for Rick since he has suffered from seizures that have often classified him as unhireable and caused him to lose work.
If you want to help Rick out more, check out his online store!
www.newmansoutdoorgear.com/
Rick learned about ADC at the annual spring Touched Twice ministry, where he and his wife have come for dental cleanings. He needed more extensive dental care involving lab work and multiple appointments, which made ADC a great option for him. His wife, Diane, works at a local grocery store and Rick recently started a new venture selling affordable camping and outdoor supplies. This allows him to work from home, which is an incredible opportunity for Rick since he has suffered from seizures that have often classified him as unhireable and caused him to lose work.
If you want to help Rick out more, check out his online store!
www.newmansoutdoorgear.com/
Devin. Age 14. "I want to be a pediatrician when I grow up, I love helping kids." 2018 Recipient
Devin isn't your typical freshman- she's kind, respectful, and a good listener. She's even on the varsity volleyball team at her high school! We met her and her mom at the Girl's World Expo community event, where we were honored to hold a fun photo booth! Her mom heard about the Girl's World Expo on Facebook and thought it sounded like a good place for Devin to hear that she can do anything she puts her mind to. Devin is blessed to have such a loving and supportive mom. "Since her birth it has just been me and her against the world," she said. A relationship or support from Devin's father never worked out and it's just the two of them -- a sweet team! Devin's mom currently works two jobs to provide for them and is sad she doesn't get to see Devin a lot because of it. Even with two jobs, she sometimes struggles to provide.
One thing that makes Devin typical, though, is that, like most 14-year-old girls, she struggles with self image from her smile. "For starters, my front teeth don't come together and it makes things like eating a sandwich with lettuce impossible." We're grateful to have met this sweet little family and we believe Devin is going to go great places in life!! We are thrilled to have have the partnership of Dr. Dan Drye, owner of Prairie Grove Orthodontics, on this case with us!
Devin isn't your typical freshman- she's kind, respectful, and a good listener. She's even on the varsity volleyball team at her high school! We met her and her mom at the Girl's World Expo community event, where we were honored to hold a fun photo booth! Her mom heard about the Girl's World Expo on Facebook and thought it sounded like a good place for Devin to hear that she can do anything she puts her mind to. Devin is blessed to have such a loving and supportive mom. "Since her birth it has just been me and her against the world," she said. A relationship or support from Devin's father never worked out and it's just the two of them -- a sweet team! Devin's mom currently works two jobs to provide for them and is sad she doesn't get to see Devin a lot because of it. Even with two jobs, she sometimes struggles to provide.
One thing that makes Devin typical, though, is that, like most 14-year-old girls, she struggles with self image from her smile. "For starters, my front teeth don't come together and it makes things like eating a sandwich with lettuce impossible." We're grateful to have met this sweet little family and we believe Devin is going to go great places in life!! We are thrilled to have have the partnership of Dr. Dan Drye, owner of Prairie Grove Orthodontics, on this case with us!
|
|
LeRoy. No Transportation but never misses an appointment. 2018 Recipient This wonderful gentleman has been an ADC patient for some time now. It's hard for him to put everything into words for us but what he can tell us is that his smile made him feel like not being around anyone. He tells us that having his smile fixed made a big difference for him. We can tell how important this was to him because he has had many appointments with us and has never missed a single one! What a wonderful example! |
Jane. A victim of domestic abuse. Identity protected. 2018
Some of us have experienced a toothache and maybe even short funds for getting it taken care of. Jane didn't just have those; she had a controlling partner who gave her no cash and no car. For a year, she struggled with pain in a molar. She coped by putting salt, heat and ice on it -- temporary relief a caring neighbor in her apartment building told her about. But when the pain reached the nerve and created an unbearably painful abscess, Jane reached out to a childhood friend for help. Her friend paid for her Uber ride and we were able to get her out of pain through the Agape Grant Fund. Jane's experience with us was so inspiring to her that she hopes to someday help others in her situation access needed dental care.
Some of us have experienced a toothache and maybe even short funds for getting it taken care of. Jane didn't just have those; she had a controlling partner who gave her no cash and no car. For a year, she struggled with pain in a molar. She coped by putting salt, heat and ice on it -- temporary relief a caring neighbor in her apartment building told her about. But when the pain reached the nerve and created an unbearably painful abscess, Jane reached out to a childhood friend for help. Her friend paid for her Uber ride and we were able to get her out of pain through the Agape Grant Fund. Jane's experience with us was so inspiring to her that she hopes to someday help others in her situation access needed dental care.
|
|
Jason. Ouch. Hard working and grateful. 2018 Recipient
One thing we love about our patients is that they are out there making a difference in the world. They are working and contributing to society but just can't swing the traditional costs of needed dental care. It takes a toll on their health and self esteem. They aren't looking for a hand out; they just need some help. Jason is exactly like that. He's been coming to ADC for a while now, working toward getting his oral health on track. He does landscaping and snow removal and we all know that the end of 2018 wasn't conducive to those relying on snow removal to pay their bills. Jason and his wife have two young kids, so heading into the holidays, Jason's priority was not his dental care. After a low-income winter, it looked like Jason would be heading into the holidays without the ability to smile. Thanks to all who support ADC and the Agape Grant Fund, Jason got a temporary flipper and Christmas was NOT cancelled! :) Jason is big and strong, but he wears his gratitude on his sleeve -- a wonderful man! |
Sergio. An angel. 2018
The rays of the sun collided perfectly on the walls of our waiting room to demonstrate how we see Sergio. He's kind of like an angel; not only did Sergio go without dental care for many years before finding our clinic (where he is now completing his dental care little by little as he can afford it), but he's also looking out for others in the same boat! Sergio won $25 toward care by being picked in our referral program drawing. Beyond referring others to us, he has even personally brought them to the clinic to ease their fears. God bless you!
Los rayos del sol colisionaron perfectamente en las paredes de nuestra sala de espera para representar cómo vemos a Sergio. Es como un ángel. Porque Sergio no sólo estuvo sin el cuidado dental durante muchos años antes de encontrar nuestra clínica, un lugar donde él está recibiendo su cuidado dental atendidos poco a poco como él puede permitirse, pero él está mirando hacia fuera para otros en su mismo situacion! Sergio ganó $25 hacia el cuidado por ser elegido en nuestro programa de referidos. No sólo nos ha referido a otros que necesitan nuestra ayuda, sino que los ha traído personalmente para aliviar sus miedos. Dios te bendiga!
The rays of the sun collided perfectly on the walls of our waiting room to demonstrate how we see Sergio. He's kind of like an angel; not only did Sergio go without dental care for many years before finding our clinic (where he is now completing his dental care little by little as he can afford it), but he's also looking out for others in the same boat! Sergio won $25 toward care by being picked in our referral program drawing. Beyond referring others to us, he has even personally brought them to the clinic to ease their fears. God bless you!
Los rayos del sol colisionaron perfectamente en las paredes de nuestra sala de espera para representar cómo vemos a Sergio. Es como un ángel. Porque Sergio no sólo estuvo sin el cuidado dental durante muchos años antes de encontrar nuestra clínica, un lugar donde él está recibiendo su cuidado dental atendidos poco a poco como él puede permitirse, pero él está mirando hacia fuera para otros en su mismo situacion! Sergio ganó $25 hacia el cuidado por ser elegido en nuestro programa de referidos. No sólo nos ha referido a otros que necesitan nuestra ayuda, sino que los ha traído personalmente para aliviar sus miedos. Dios te bendiga!
Tim. 2019 Recipeint
"When we are no longer able to change a situation- we are challenged to change ourselves." Viktor E. Frankl
That's exactly what Tim did after nearly 15 years of bad oral health habits and no dental home. When things would get really bad, Tim would cobble together the money and make his way to a clinic to have a very painful tooth removed. Since his teen years, Tim had been drinking Mountain Dew and Coke as well as smoking. Nearly six years after he quit the soda and four years after he quit smoking, Tim upgraded his health and committed to getting routine dental care. Self-employed with an internet-based sales company, Tim was quite the internet peruser and found ADC while searching online for affordable dental treatment. He started his care in our clinic by focusing on some pressing needs, but then moved into periodontal care, understanding that the gums and underlying bone are the foundation for all existing and future treatment needs. Tim has shown an excellent level of investment in and commitment to his health. He is thankful for the help of the Agape grant program. We are thankful to know Tim and his kindness and we are honored to be a small part of his story. We are so proud of him! Thanks for sharing, Tim!
"When we are no longer able to change a situation- we are challenged to change ourselves." Viktor E. Frankl
That's exactly what Tim did after nearly 15 years of bad oral health habits and no dental home. When things would get really bad, Tim would cobble together the money and make his way to a clinic to have a very painful tooth removed. Since his teen years, Tim had been drinking Mountain Dew and Coke as well as smoking. Nearly six years after he quit the soda and four years after he quit smoking, Tim upgraded his health and committed to getting routine dental care. Self-employed with an internet-based sales company, Tim was quite the internet peruser and found ADC while searching online for affordable dental treatment. He started his care in our clinic by focusing on some pressing needs, but then moved into periodontal care, understanding that the gums and underlying bone are the foundation for all existing and future treatment needs. Tim has shown an excellent level of investment in and commitment to his health. He is thankful for the help of the Agape grant program. We are thankful to know Tim and his kindness and we are honored to be a small part of his story. We are so proud of him! Thanks for sharing, Tim!
