It’s been 10 years since Chive Charities first stepped in to support Christopher, and his progress has been nothing short of extraordinary! Born with Ectodermal Dysplasia, Christopher faced significant challenges, including missing many of his teeth. This affected his self-confidence, eating habits, and speech. Thanks to Chive Charities, Christopher received dental work that included upper and lower bridges, transforming his life in countless ways.
At 14, Christopher entered high school with a brand-new smile, which not only boosted his confidence but also allowed him to eat foods like apples, bagels, and pretzels for the first time in his life. Along with the dental work, he underwent speech therapy throughout high school to adjust to speaking with teeth. Although his speech isn’t 100% clear, he’s come such a long way.
The impact of these changes went far beyond just his smile. With renewed confidence, Christopher graduated high school and went on to complete his degree at SUNY Maritime College, graduating in 2022. He now works as a Merchant Marine, holding a Deck License, and is currently serving as a 3rd Mate on a ship in Long Beach, CA. He’s thriving in his career and enjoying life to the fullest.
However, the journey hasn’t been without its challenges. In his final year of college, Christopher’s lower dental bridge began to cause issues. Due to the pressure it placed on one of his remaining natural teeth, the tooth started to loosen, and extensive dental work was required. In March 2023, Christopher underwent a difficult procedure involving the placement of four implants and a temporary bridge. The process was long and painful, and it took nearly 10 months for everything to be completed, with Christopher taking time off from work to recover.
Despite these setbacks, Christopher’s resilience shone through. He handled the pain and discomfort with incredible strength and determination, and as of December 2023, his new lower bridge is in place and ready to last him for years to come.
Christopher has grown into a confident, hardworking young man, and his family credits Chive Charities for playing a pivotal role in this transformation. The dental work he received changed his life, giving him the tools he needed to communicate more clearly and feel more self-assured. The support of Chive Charities not only made a visible difference in Christopher’s smile but also in his entire outlook on life.
Christopher continues to inspire those around him, and his family is eternally grateful for the life-changing support he received. While he’s currently out at sea, Christopher’s future looks bright, and we can’t wait to see all the amazing things he’ll continue to accomplish.
