Dream One World...a nonprofit to heal the world...one by one by one.

JANET GRAFF

 

Janet Graff, a 52 year old extremely hardworking woman whose job was cleaning homes for a living in Northern California, was in great need of major dental work, costing thousands of dollars.  An ex-heroin addict and single mother who has been clean and sober for over 16 years, Janet is articulate, trustworthy, has a great sense of humor, is wonderful with animals, and full of dreams of how to turn her life away from the backbreaking work that has filled her body with toxins.

 

However, she did not have any extra money from month to month to make those dreams come to fruition.  She struggled just to pay simple bills, and didn't allow herself to take time off, for fear that those bills will not get paid.  From time to time she would fall ill from all the work, only creating more stress as she would need to work double shifts when she recovered to make up the lost wages.  She was in constant pain, and often wondered if it was all worth it.

 

"Aside from the practical reasons for having teeth, I need to enhance my appearance so that folks are not put off in their initial impression of me.  I dream of one day having a job that is not so hard on my body.  In addition, the feeling of being a confident, lovable, appealing woman as opposed to my current reality of feeling washed up, undesirable, unattractive, and very old would be life changing."

 

Dr. Frederick F. Franke, III, a highly respected teaching dentist also in private practice, and Dr. Paul V. Sejud, a top-notch oral surgeon in northern California, agreed to do Janet's work at reduced rates.  Dr. William F. Sullivan, Jr., a well-known, extremely experienced, and very busy doctor with a family practice, did a complete physical for Janet prior to her dental work at no charge, which included a bill for blood work that Lab Corp and Dr. Sullivan's office waived as well, as a gift to DREAM ONE WORLD.

 

Janet then had the initial step of oral surgery with Dr. Paul Sujud on July 20, 2005, which was extremely successful. 

 

A very large cyst was removed from her nasal cavity and cheek area, and Janet is now able to breathe far better than she has in over seven years.  Dr. Sejud also shaved down several areas of the bone beneath the gums in order to make her mouth ready to accept dentures.

 

Janet then saw Dr. Franke for the final stages of the work.  Unfortunately, she was not able to get the dental implants, as her gums simply would not accept them.However, as of September 23, 2005, Janet became the proud owner of a beautiful set of dentures!

 

From Janet:  "From the bottom of my heart I want to thank everyone who gave of their time, goods, services and finances to make the smile you see now a reality.  I will be forever grateful to all of you equally, as no one gift is greater than another.  Life's many blessings on all of you."

 

 

We are happy to report that Janet then moved to Montana for a year and a half and worked as a caregiver for a woman with  Shy-Drager Syndrome. 

 

As Janet's "Pay It Forward" gesture, she brought Mikey and other Larsen's Syndrome children to our attention.

 

In May of 2007, Janet returned to Santa Rosa, California, and continues to get healthier.  She is taking dance classes, is quitting smoking, etc.

She also became a Dreamworker for DREAM ONE WORLD.

 

 

Fast forward to Mother's Day, 2010 - a miracle has occurred for Janet, through her Dream One World connection!!!  To read more about it, click here...  woo-hoo!  :)  Many thanks to the Dream One World donors who loved this story and donated to Janet's trip to Texas.  We love you!

 

One of Janet's favorite quotes:

"To anyone who is about to give up their dreams - if you do, the devil is going to throw a party in your honor.  Give God the glory instead."     - Wynonna Judd