Rebuilding my smile, Rebuilding my life. ✨️

Kia ora whānau, friends, & anyone who takes the time to read my story 🤍

For 17 years of my life, I was trapped in addiction.

Those years took a heavy toll on me, my health & my confidence

But today I stand here as a wahine in recovery — & this coming April I will be 7 years clean.

One of the deepest scars left behind from those years is the damage to my teeth.

Addiction, trauma, and even the medication have contributed to my dental health deteriorating over time.

I live with daily pain, infections, and embarrassment.

Eating is hard. Smiling feels uncomfortable. Sometimes even speaking to people makes me feel self-conscious ,even though inside I’m working so hard to stand strong.

This journey to fix my teeth is not about vanity.

It’s about health & regaining my smile.

I care for my ailing parents during the day, supporting them through their health struggles, & work hard at night just to make ends meet.

Even working long hours& doing everything I can, the cost of the dental treatment I urgently need is far beyond what I can afford alone.

💛 Estimated total needed: $14,000 NZD

I will continue working, & doing everything I personally can to contribute towards these costs — your support simply helps make this life-changing treatment possible.

Every donation, every share, and every message of encouragement means more than words can express.

Thank you for seeing the woman I am today — not just the past I survived.

With aroha and deep gratitude 🤍

Michelle 🫶🏽