Lifechanging stories like Bill’s are only possible thanks to the incredible generosity of our supporters and partners. A special thank you to Delta Dental for your continued partnership and for helping us bring vital care to those who need it most.
Bill’s Story
Dental Lifeline Network’s Donated Dental Services (DDS) program saves the lives of individuals like Bill, 49, who lives in Florida with his fiancé. Bill’s life changed forever when he was diagnosed with cancer. After completing the first round of chemotherapy, he came down with neutropenic fever, a medical emergency that occurs when a patient with a low white blood cell count is exposed to an infection, and was hospitalized. The Moffitt Cancer Center found that his fever was caused by extensive dental disease, and his cancer treatment had to be put on hold until all his remaining teeth could be extracted.
Before being diagnosed with cancer, Bill worked in construction for 30 years, leaving him without insurance and unable to receive unemployment benefits at the time of the diagnosis. Although he applied for SSDI benefits, he had not heard back and had been denied Medicaid. Bill loves being a stepfather and wanted to see all his stepchildren grow up, but a lack of resources left Bill feeling hopeless. In despair, he was left wondering if he could get the dental care needed to resume his vital cancer treatment.
Thankfully, a team of caring DDS volunteers came quickly to the rescue. The Moffitt Cancer Center referred Bill to the DDS program, and he was matched with an oral surgeon, Dr. James Green, who completed 15 extractions and alveoplasty in 4 quads, which reshaped Bill’s jawbone where his teeth were extracted. While Bill healed from his extractions, he resumed cancer treatment and was matched with Dr. Caroline Truong, a volunteer dentist who worked diligently with Contemporary Dental Lab to fabricate a set of dentures for him.
Thanks to the kindness and efforts of these DDS volunteers, Bill was able to complete his chemotherapy treatments!
“As my life seemed to take a turn for the worse, I had these angels step in. They made it possible for me to smile again when I thought that would be impossible. When I came home with my new teeth, my little eight-year-old girl had the biggest smile on her face,” said Bill. “I am so glad there was this program to help me. I cannot thank them enough for the kindness and compassion they have shown me through everything.”
