Hoping for his smile

Hello, I am seeking help with donations for my dear friend who is in need of mouth surgery. Former US Marine, and loving father of two girls was the innocent victim of a drive by shooting in Oct 27 2013. This tragedy left him financially broke, disabled, unable to speak for himself and with constant pain and discomfort in his mouth. Without health insurance and left disabled, his surgeries have been delayed much longer than expected. He does not have a jawbone or any teeth on the right side of his mouth. Some of his tongue was also removed during the first surgery. It is a huge struggle for him to speak. Mumbles and grunts are the only ways he can communicate without overwhelming pain through his mouth. Living with half of a mouth, it is also hard for him to do simple daily necessities like oral care and eating.

Since the incident, family has not showed any support to Michael or his daughters who are 9 and 7 years old. He is convinced that he will live with the pain from mouth and nerve damage for the rest of his life. I've known him for awhile and have seen all the heartache through these past two years. It's kind of ironic how things happen, when I met him, I was very hopeless, negative, took things for granted, and just wasn't able to see any other point of view except my own. I am now the one with hope, and with assurance that no matter how bad things may seem at the time... Things will get better, and people will be there for you even if your family isn't.

At this point, I am just asking for you to help him see hope in his situation. There are upcoming surgeries in February that will ensure bone replacement, reconstruction, dentures, and the speech treatment he needs. I researched several hospitals, doctors, and other resources to find the most realistic solution for his medical necessities. I am writing this only thinking about how I could possibly someone help smile with no pain. My goal is for Michael to just be at ease when he walks through the hospital doors to speak to the surgeons about his surgeries. Anything you could donate will be one less worry for Michael, and his girls. Thank you for taking the time to read this, it is very much appreciated.

Sincerely,

Scarlett Salvador