Newsletter
The Love Letter
On July 8, the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile®, also known as “The
Tooth Truck™”, will recognize six years of providing dental treatment
for at-risk children. As we reach this milestone, we celebrate the fact that
over 20,000 appointments have been provided for 7,000 children in our 230-square-foot
mobile dental clinic–totaling $4.2 million in dental treatment!
“Removing a child’s pain is an incredible gift to give,” according
to Tooth Truck General Dentist, Dr. Craig Rechkemmer. “Giving a child
their smile back cannot only change that child’s life, but also the
lives of those that help provide that smile.” Sabrina is one of the
many children who have received such a gift from the Ronald McDonald Care
Mobile. A kindergartner at Campbell Elementary School in Springfield, Sabrina’s
first visit to the Tooth Truck resulted in a diagnosis of 17 cavities. Her
front teeth were especially decayed, as shown in the photo at right, most
likely a result of “baby bottle syndrome”. Prior to the holidays
last year, Sabrina’s mom asked her what she wanted for Christmas. Sabrina’s
reply? “I want new teeth.” Her mom was heartbroken because she
knew she couldn’t afford to provide them for her. The Tooth Truck was
truly a wish come true for Sabrina!
The staff and volunteers on the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile and at Campbell
Elementary School noticed quite a transformation in Sabrina as she progressed
through her treatment plan. Volunteer Debbie Parman spent a significant amount
of time with Sabrina and characterized her as very timid, holding her head
down and rarely making eye contact. With each visit, Sabrina’s personality
came out more and more and she would open up more to the volunteers and staff.
She literally smiled more. Nothing was more touching when she saw her new
teeth after her 17 cavities were repaired and her front teeth restored by
Dr. Craig and his dedicated staff. Seven appointments and $3,546 in dental
treatment later, Sabrina’s smile was healthy and bright and full of
life! Her mother was and is so very grateful. Sabrina continually shows her
appreciation by giving our staff and volunteers some pretty big hugs each
time she sees them in the school hallways. The slogan of an early Tooth Truck
Annual Giving Campaign aptly describes Sabrina’s new attitude–“Not
Afraid to Smile”.
Seven years ago, the early efforts of a few individuals have fostered a program
involving an entire community. We continue to be particularly grateful to
the members of the Greater Springfield Dental Society, an organization whose
members worked with Ronald McDonald House Charities® to establish our
high standards and patient protocol for the program; created and continues
to provide leadership with The Tooth Truck Board of Directors, and supports
the mission financially each year with a lead gift and sponsorship of the
Sertoma GRIN IRON CLASSIC. Working hand in hand with the GSDS are the entire
Health Services Department of Springfield Public Schools and other lead contributors
including founding sponsor, the Junior League of Springfield, seven-year
supporter the All-Star Smiles Sertoma Club, the Rotary Rock’n Ribs
BBQ Festivals, Reckitt Benckiser, the O’Reilly Family Foundation and
past multi-year supporter, the St. John’s Foundation for Community
Health. This does not include the hundreds of contributors and volunteers
who have provided on-going support through cash and in-kind gifts, day-in
and day-out.
Discussion of thanks would not be complete without mentioning our heartfelt
gratitude to Dr. Craig Rechkemmer for his tireless commitment to the Tooth
Truck since June 2002. He has created a legacy for the program that will
continue for years to come, long after he moves forward with his career in
Public Heath.
YOU Can Help, Too!
We encourage you to join the ranks of those who make the Tooth Truck a reality.
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile is a state-of-the-art mobile clinic that
provides cost-effective comprehensive dental care and health education services
directly to underprivileged children at their own schools in Springfield
and Republic, as well as the Boys & Girls Clubs and other sites. Thanks
to donations from our community, we continue to help the kids who need us
the most. Every patient on the Tooth Truck receives a completed treatment
plan and they leave their last appointment with a healthy smile and the skills
and knowledge they need to prevent cavities in the future. Use the envelope
in this LOVE LETTER to forward your contribution, or visit our web page,
www.ronaldmcdonaldhouse.org, to learn more about the Tooth Truck and find
information about volunteering!
949 E. Primrose St.
Springfield, MO 65807
417.886.0225
For information on other
Ronald McDonald Houses,
visit www.rmhc.org.
Gallery
of Angels From
a Ronald House Family Share
a Heart Campaign
Issue
47, 10/02 (3.4M)Issue
48, 4/03 (823K)Issue
49, 11/03 (833K)Issue
50, 7/04 (833K)Issue
51, 11/05 (836K)Issue
52, 11/05 (1.1M)Issue
53, 8/07 (6.6M)