My Life with AIDS
![]()
I've been living with AIDS for almost twenty-four years. During that time I've lived through tuberculosis, pneumocystis pneumonia, depression and suicidal thoughts caused by medication, liver cirrhosis, a stroke, speech and cognitive therapy, and sometimes painful neuropathy plus osteoporosis. I've had great medical insurance which alleviated a lot of the financial stress and help me to recover. It's only the cirrhosis which caused my teeth to decay at such a rapid pace that I'm in this predicament. Unfortunately, I have no dental insurance. Plus all of my surgeries are performed by specialists rather than a general dentist so none of their services would be covered anyway.
Months before I started the procedure I had to take almost half my teeth out of my mouth to eat. Not only was this embarrassing, as most of my friends and acquaintances can verify, but I had difficulty chewing. To this day I'm always carrying around Fixodent where ever I go. Please support me to finish all my dental surgeries so I can stop looking like the poster from "Silence of the Lambs." (My friend created this for impact. Is it working? lol) Furthermore rid me of that gummy pink paste. I'm not an old man yet.
Specifics About The Dental Work
The total cost of the mouth reconstruction is $51,435. Yes, even though I'm going to New York University Dental School that's still the cost. If I saw a private dentist the price would be two or three times more. Other advantages are the school has the latest in dental technology and every type of specialist under one roof.
![]()
Right now I'm about $14,000 in and a year and a half through the surgeries. First my bite needed to be corrected. My mouth had a combination of some solid teeth, while others demand root canals and five are intended for implants. My lower gums will have to be trimmed and my under gums with have to be lengthen by a skin graph. Additionally, I required an impacted tooth which worked through the roof of my mouth. This was causing a painful infection that I had been walking around with for a few years. Finally, all of my teeth will need to be re-crowned. This is a large undertaking overseen by a prosthodontist working with several specialists.
I haven't been able to chew for close to five years without something falling out of my mouth. Plus most of my meals are soft food or soup. Hopefully with your help, I'll be able to continue through the process without additional financial stress. Please remember each and every dollar counts.
Perks & Other Ways You Can Help
![]()
I'm a bit of an amateur photographer with over 1,500 followers on Instagram. If you have an IG account @il_david is my name. I put together a few perks using my photographs. A lot of my photos are architectural abstractions, scenes of New York streets and my travels.
If you are not interested in donating than please spread the word. Maybe you're part of an HIV positive community. Quite possibly you know a dentist that cares about everyones teeth. Also, use the Indiegogo share tools!
I'm grateful to my friends and family for supporting me in posting this campaign. It wasn't easy revealing my financial dilemma for the world to see.
Thank you for reading my story!
![]()
Just in time for spring and hours to go on my fundraiser, Suzanne Jennerich has donated two card designs. She’s a good friend, illustrator plus a woven bikini designer! For only $5 you can choose either a flamingo or a toucan. To see more of her work please visit www.suzannejennerich.com
![]()
Bishakh K. Som is very talented illustrator and artist plus a good friend of mine. For a $50 donations you'll receive a personalized 4” x 4” ink and watercolor drawing on a theme or topic of your choice or one that is left up to the whim of the artist. You can see some of his work at www.archicomix.com
![]()
Marie Havens is a good friend of mine and an amazing photographer. We originally met as accessories designers for GAP and have continued our friendship for many years. She has graciously donated two FAB photographs (never printed before) from her archive for my fundraiser. Both are nightlife legends...icon Grace Jones and legendary performer Lady Bunny! Marie is offering either print (your choice) for $75, print size: 8x10, signed and printed on Kodak Endura Metallic paper. To see more of Marie's work visit http://www.studiohavens.com
![]()
My dear friend Michelle Fedder who's a license acupuncturist is providing sessions of treatment for a donation of $200. Her company's called Reclining Buddha and that's how you'll feel after the session is over. This is for NYC donations only. For more information www.recliningbuddhaacupuncture.com