The day has finally arrived!
The Operation Julie's Smile Blog Hop
has begun!
If you've arrived here from the
then you are right where you need to be!
If you are just stopping by and have no
clue what this weekend's blog hop is
about, I am going to defer you back to
the link above at SSS because it is there
you will find out the background of this
benefit put together by my very
dear friends, including over $2500 in prizes
that you can be eligible for!
Here on my blog, i'd like to share my story
for those who have question as to why
I would be the recipient of such a benefit.
But first....here is a little creativity to share...
I felt the best way to explain how I felt about the
number of friends who have come out to support this
was immeasurable and this designer paper from
My Mind's Eye's 'Lime Twist' were perfect!
The stamped sentiment is from the Sweet Stamp Shop,
our gracious hosts of this big event.
Over 120 blogs are hosting posts for you to visit
and you will have all weekend to do so. When you
stop by each and leave a comment, you will be entered
to win any number of our prizes valued in total at $2500.
Before I share my next card with you, here is a little
bit about what happened to bring this benefit to life...
Growing up in the 1960's, there were medications that were used
on children that were very damaging to teeth. I struggled with
5-6 years of ruptured ear drums and inner ear struggles and was
of course, put on these medications.
My parents did all they could to give me the healthiest teeth possible,
continual root canals, braces that could only stay on a short period
of time due to the weakness of my teeth, etc.
For most of my adult life, I did quite well, but it was always in
the 'future plans' that something major would have to be done in order
to get by, but it was our hope that I might make it until at least 60
before I would have to worry.
But then it happened....
One weekend last month, I chipped my front teeth along with
two others alongside those.
An emergency trip to the dentist came Monday morning after a
weekend of pain and his recommendation was that these teeth were
no longer worth saving and that I ''really needed to get them out now".
We asked what the plan of action would be from there and were told
that now was the time to have the rest of the teeth extracted and face
the future of dentures, as I apparently had 4 more teeth on the bottom
that would need root canals within the next six months.
When we expressed concern at the financial burden that would come
with such a decision, the dentist turned to us and said "don't worry, we
will work out payments for you, but for now, we need to get these out
so you can begin the healing process so we can proceed"
So the teeth were removed....
I was then directed to the oral surgeon to have the rest of my
teeth removed, but before I could do that, I needed my dentist to
make the impressions for the dentures first, that way, while I was still
under the anesthetic, he would deliver the dentures so I wouldn't have
to wake up without teeth.
Here is where everything came to a halt.....
When I called to make the appointment for the impressions,
the receptionist told me that I would need to bring $3000 along with me.
I explained to her that the dentist had already said that he would "work with
me to set up payments'' and her response was, ''no, that was just for the
extractions you had that day!!!"
Then I was told that to have the rest of the extractions, it would be
an additional $4000 and if I could ''just bring that along with me..."
Paul & I couldn't believe what we were hearing because now here
I am without front teeth, apparently 4 other teeth
that will cost me a total of $4800 to just 'fix'
and other teeth that chip with the slightest bite into something.
We are a one income couple and Paul works every single
moment he can to make ends meet and we do have some
dental insurance, but it barely covered the cost of the extractions.
So that is where we are today and when my friend Nicole from
Sweet Stamp Shop heard about what happened, she started
the wheels in motion to have this fundraiser in hopes of
helping me regain my smile.
How did I personally become so involved
in the 'promotion' of this benefit?
Most of you who know me, know that I am a professional
event organizer and am in retail marketing by trade.
I don't work outside of my home and have now
found myself as a professional DT Coordinator.
When I heard what Nicole had already put in motion,
I asked if I could 'work' for the donations...as if I
were outside of my home, working overtime to
earn money to have my dental work paid for.
And THAT is what I have been doing....
Over 120 blogs who are hosting a post for your to visit...
Over $2500 in prizes for you to win
and a chance to help out with a donation in whatever
way you are able.
I couldn't help but think of the friendship
that has come along during my time
of blogging these past 2 years
and these cards are for you...
For those of you who have:
stopped by and said hello
celebrated with me
when my grandsons were born
encouraged me when days are rough
and most importantly
have become real friends
we laugh together
cry together
design together
create together
watch our favorite shows together
and blog together
Thank you so kindly for coming by today.
If you are able to donate a little something
to help re-create my smile,
just click the button here
I would appreciate just knowing you
stopped by to say hello,
so please leave a comment.
Prizes will be available to those who:
**are able to donate
**host a stop on the hop
**leave a comment during the hop
Over 80 prize packages available!
It's time for you to get on with the hop.
Thank you for indulging me by letting me
share my complete story...I am pretty sure
most stops on the hop will be much shorter!
Enjoy the hop...you have ALL weekend!
Your next stop is my dear creative friend,
Project Recipe:
Designer Paper: 'Out of the Blue' Lime Twist by MME
Ink: 'Tuxedo Black' by Memento, Red Pepper by Ranger
Stamps: 'Sweet Tooth' by Sweet Stamp Shop
'Trees2Build' by Stamps of Life
Tools: Labels Ten Die by Spellbinders,
Big Shot, Fiskars Border punch & Corner Rounder
Embellishments: bakers twine in Caribbean & Lemondrop by The Twinery
Brads by Making Memories, Chipboard Sentiment 'Lost & Found 2' by MME
