Durell fighting cancer fund Campaign

Dear Beloved Supporters,

I hope this heartfelt message finds you in good health and high spirits. My name is Marie-Louise, and I am reaching out to you with a story that is both deeply personal and incredibly challenging.

I find myself at a unique crossroads in my life, 20 weeks pregnant with twins, serving as a surrogate for a young couple—a journey that has been both fulfilling and emotionally taxing. Amidst the joy of helping create a family, I have been silently battling Bruxism, a condition that has taken a toll on my dental health. A year ago, I was diagnosed with Bruxism and given a daunting timeline of four years to save up for prosthetics and the necessary dental rehabilitation. Bruxism, with its relentless teeth grinding, has caused a severe overbite, leaving me in constant pain. Despite using a mouth guard for some relief, the condition has progressed rapidly, leaving me no choice but to seek urgent treatment.

The challenges have compounded due to my pregnancy, which has accelerated the progression of Bruxism beyond what was initially anticipated. My upper and lower front teeth have been ground down to the nerves, making everyday activities such as eating, smiling, and even talking excruciatingly painful. The limitations on pain medication during pregnancy have further complicated my situation.

I am currently under the care of a doctor at the State Dental Hospital, where many treatments are provided free of charge. However, there are costs associated with the prosthetics, braces, and other procedures that are not covered. To regain my oral health, I need to raise approximately R 65,000. This amount will cover the lab costs for the prosthetics, as well as other expenses not covered by the state.

Post-pregnancy, a jaw operation will be the final step in my rehabilitation journey. While most of the operation's cost will be covered by medical aid, it does not extend to prosthetics, braces, or the procedures leading up to the operation. This is where I need your help, dear community.

I am reaching out to you, my cherished friends, family, and community, with a humble request for your support. Together, we can raise the funds needed for my dental treatment. Your generosity will not only alleviate my physical pain but also restore my ability to lead a normal life—to eat without discomfort, smile with confidence, and communicate without agony.

Your assistance in reaching this goal would mean the world to me. Any contribution, regardless of its size, will make a significant difference in my life. I am profoundly grateful for your kindness, compassion, and willingness to stand by me during this challenging time.

Thank you, from the depths of my heart, for your unwavering generosity and support.

Warm regards,Marie-Louise