Update – July 2026

First, I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to read my story, to pray for me, or just simply care. Your kindness means more than you know.

Since creating this fundraiser, I took a leap of faith and moved forward with the dental treatment I had researched and prayed about for so long. Thursday July 16th I had all of my remaining teeth removed and began the journey toward a permanent implant-supported smile.

To make this possible, I financed the procedure through CareCredit. While I am incredibly grateful to finally be on the road toward healing and getting to my ultimate goal of a healthy and natural looking smile again, it has also placed a significant financial burden on our family. I am now asking for help with the financial responsibility that came from taking this step of faith. The updated goal will help with the remaining treatment costs, financing payments, fundraising fees, and help keep our family financially afloat. My husband is still unable to work because of his health, so we continue to rely on my income alone. Please pray his disability claim FINALLY gets approved!

Several people have asked if I'll be sharing photos of my new smile. Right now, I'm not quite ready. My temporary teeth are just that, temporary. I'm still healing, I'm still swollen, and the temporary teeth look and feel bulky and don't yet look or feel like "me." While I've been reassured that this is a normal part of the healing process, I'm honestly not comfortable sharing photos just yet.

I truly look forward to the day my permanent teeth are complete, and I hope to proudly share that transformation with everyone who has prayed for me, encouraged me, or helped make this journey possible. I can't wait to smile with confidence again.

Whether you feel led to donate, share this fundraiser, or simply keep my family in your prayers, please know how deeply grateful I am. Thank you for walking alongside me during this chapter of healing. God has already carried me farther than I ever thought possible, and I trust He will continue to provide. Below is my original fundraiser story if you would like to read more about me and the situation in more detail. Thank you again for your time and consideration!

Hi my name is Erin and asking for help isn't easy for me, but I'm stepping out in faith to ask for your support. I trust that God works through people and through prayer, and I am here now after long delay because I have to believe that I am worthy of help.

My Dental Crisis

My dental health has deteriorated to the point that it impacts every part of my daily life~ eating, sleeping, speaking and most importantly SMILING!

I used to have a smile that helped me face tough days and would help brighten other people's days but now I avoid smiling, I certainly do not smile as much as I once did!

I was diagnosed with sarcoidosis in my early 20's and I was treated with a high-dose of Prednisone (steroid) for over a year. While it helped to eliminate the illness in my body, it also weakened my teeth significantly.

Now, at 42, my teeth are breaking and decaying rapidly, causing severe nerve pain. The pain is intense and pretty consistent making everyday activities difficult and often embarrassing.

What Dentists Have Told Me

After consultations with three dental specialists, the consensus is clear:

Dental implants would be the best treatment option for me.

Choosing dentures would lead to bone loss and facial changes within two years, making implants much harder or impossible later. I feel that I am too young for dentures, and this is my last chance to save my smile.

How This Has Affected My Life

This condition has changed how I interact with the world. I've become more withdrawn, avoiding social situations and plans. My husband has been patient and supportive even though I am not the same woman he married years ago, he hasn't given me the impression that he thinks any differently of me and for that I am super appreciative! I am so blessed to have him by my side at every one of my dentist appointments!

Who I Am

I'm a kind, funny and thoughtful Christian woman, with amazing taste in music, I am a wife, a mother/a stepmom, a genuine friend, a hard and disciplined coworker with a sunny disposition and a corny joke or few. I enjoy my work as a dietary aide/server. Working in an assisted living/rehabilitation facility truly brings me joy, especially during mealtimes with residents when I get to serve them and interact. I've always been a giver, offering comfort and encouragement. Now, I need help and I am swallowing my pride to even be here to ask.

The Cost

The full-mouth implant procedure, including anesthesia, temporary and permanent implants, costs between $48,000-$52,000— far beyond what we can afford.

The implants would restore:

My dignity

My confidence

My ability to smile, speak, and eat without pain

My overall health by preventing infections

How You Can Help

Your support — through giving, praying, or sharing — could truly change my entire life so much for the better!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart and soul~!

With your help, I can:

Smile confidently again

Eat without pain

Prevent bone loss and facial changes

Avoid recurring infections

Regain emotional and mental well-being

Continue serving the community with joy!

Thank You!

Thank you for your time and consideration. I have been quietly struggling with my dental health for a long time, but the longer I wait, the more it affects me—and it's becoming harder to keep it hidden. This has deeply impacted my life and those around me, leading to social withdrawal and, well, a pretty serious case of RBF! : }

P.S. What time was my dentist appointment?

2:30 ~ tooth hurty! Get it?! (credit goes to my Uncle Chris Shea :P)

I pray God blesses your generosity abundantly — “pressed down, shaken together, and running over.” — Luke 6:38

With much gratitude and blind faith,

Erin Elizabeth

Saint Francis of Assisi, pray for us.

May God Bless You ✝️