Sending Sarah Smiles – Your Gift Can Make A Difference

Event Phone: 401-732-1100

Meet Sarah Stoves.  A shy, sweet, smart, inquisitive child who grew up to be a beautiful, bright young woman. Graduating from RI College she works in Warwick, RI helping businesses and her community – All with an amazing smile. Five years ago, her smile got even brighter with the birth of her daughter.  Joy,  Compassion, Smiles were part of her everyday life and something she was known for.

In 2016, a walnut sized lump appeared on her jaw and her dentist, Dr. Robert A Conte – West Shore Dental Associates referred her to an oral surgeon. He found a tumor rooted in her jaw and diagnosed it as an Ossifying Fibroma (benign). If not removed it would continue to grow and disfigure her for life while causing multiple other medical issues. She underwent surgery and had the tumor removed. Unfortunately, it grew back, doubled in size, and continued to grow.

She was referred to Boston Medical Center – Andrew Salama MD, DDS and Steven Caldroney DDS.  She underwent 9 hours of extensive surgery as you can see from the photos. They removed more than half of her lower jaw (mandible). The talented team rebuilt her face by using a bone (fibula), soft tissue, vein and a nerve from her right leg.

It has been a long road to healing the leg, neck and face. The swelling took months but is finally down and her face is regaining its shape. Now the next challenge is to replace her teeth and return that beautiful smile. The tissue and bone surgically implanted are very delicate and replacing the teeth must be handled by an experienced team familiar with the intricacies of this procedure so as not to damage the reconstruction that was done. Not having teeth limits her ability to eat many foods, speak clearly, and share her beautiful smile with her daughter.

Although this was a medically necessary surgery, there is a significant financial gap (at least $20,000) between what insurance will cover and the work that needs to be done. We hope that you will join us to help her complete the recovery process, return her ability to eat and speak normally and bring back that beautiful smile.

Please help us return that bright beautiful Sarah smile. For each $20 gift you will receive a #sendingsarahsmiles magnet as a Thank You.  You may either pick up your magnet at the Central Rhode Island Chamber, 3288 Post Road, Warwick, RI 02886 or for a small fee we will mail it to you.

All gifts, minus direct expenses, will be used to help Sarah regain her Smile and cover medical costs. 😊

Checks can be made payable to CRICC, memo: Sending Sarah Smiles, and sent to 3288 Post Road, Warwick, RI 02886

A Special Thank You…