I am a 34 year old female who was born with a double cleft palate and lip.  I have had numerous surgeries throughout my childhood but all was not accomplished as it should have been. My parents divorced when I was 15 so all of my surgeries and Dr. visits stopped.  I have never been able to afford what was needed to finish the work on my mouth, nose and teeth.  I have recently found a Doctor who is willing to do the surgeries that it would require to get my mouth in normal state.  I have a hole in the roof of my mouth that has been unsuccessfully closed for all of my life.  This Doctor believes without a doubt that he can close this hole.  He is a member of the Craniofacial team at the University of Florida.  But he first told me that I have to have all my dental work completed first.  I have to get my teeth and gums in good healthy condition before I can have the extensive surgery that he will do.  As you all know that dental insurance does not pay hardly anything.  I have BCBS of Alabama coverage but the dental portion only pays $1,500 per year maximum.  I have to have bridge work done for 8 teeth, 3 root canals, 2 teeth extracted with bone graft replacement, scaling and planing of all teeth.  This is all medically necessary in order to get my teeth back healthy.  I have always took care of my teeth but because of this birth defect, I have very week and brittle teeth according to my dentist. 

I am married now to a wonderful man who is pushing me to get these things done.  He wants to see a beautiful smile on my face.  He says financially that he will do whatever it takes to get this done.  But the expense of this first phase of dental treatment is $14, 800.  All of this will be payable up front before the work can be completed.  I have started to have the root canals done and some other minor things that we can pay cash for as we have it done.

I know that there are grants, foundations and lots of free money offered on the internet but most of them that I have tried are all scams.  I am hoping that this is not another one.

I do work full time, my husband works full time, we have 4 beautiful girls.  3 of them are mine from my first marriage and 1 from his first marriage.  None of my children were born with this defect and I thank God for that.

We are also a christian based family.  I believe that God will send someone our way to show us the way or help us.  If you know of any foundations or grants regarding my situation please email me at Victor-Stephanie@hotmail.com or write to me @ 2880 Fredonia Road, Thomasville, GA 31757.

Thanks and God Bless you just for taking the time to read this.