• Patients
• Volunteers
• Legislators

From patients

Excerpts from 2011 Mission of Mercy patients’ and volunteers' comments, in their own words.

		SPECIAL OLYMPICS Twenty-two Special Olympics Wisconsin athletes were among the 1,570 individuals treated at the WDA MOM in June 2011 near Wausau. Three volunteer dentists, along with dental hygienists and assistants cared for these Special Olympians, ages 21 to 50. The athletes were pre-screened for urgent dental needs at SOWI competitions. America’s Dentists Care Foundation asked the WDA to pilot this outreach to special-needs patients. WDA-TV takes you there to see what a MOM volunteer, SOWI staff member, guardian, parent and athlete had to say about the experience.
		COREY'S STORY Corey, who has suffered from dental problems and pain for more than 12 years, traveled nine hours by moped to reach Mission of Mercy. He's hoping to be able to smile in his wedding pictures when he gets married next fall.

"I appreciate this so much and everyone has been very helpful and kind. I've always made sure to have my kids dental needs taken care of and had neglected mine. I pay 1/2 my paycheck for health insurance and there's never enough left over to go to the dentist so this has been a blessing. Thank you!"

- Deb, Stevens Point

"I am a waiter by profession, however since my teeth have gone bad my confidence has diminished. Getting my teeth fixed is something I thought would never be possible for me."

- Aaron, Weston

"I have not been to the dentist in over 11 years! I am 28 and am so very happy and grateful for all of your help and dedication. I would not be able to get my teeth fixed if all of you would not have taken your time, energy, and money to help us in need! THANK you!!

- Tanya, West Bend

"I'm grateful for the services you're offering today. I wouldn't have been able to receive treatment if it weren't for WDA and the volunteers."

- Yia, Wausau

"I arrived mor or less to just see what was 'going on' this AM 6/25/11. My impromptu visit led to a #8 crown being recemented, a cleaning by Kim from Eau Claire and endodontic services provided by Dr. Hussong from Tomahawk, Wis. In addition panoramic X-rays. My experience was increadibly 'awesome'. Thanks to the entire staff who guided me through this incredible event."

- Dan, Wausau

"What you're doing here is a great cause. We're all very fortunate to your services here today. WDA is one of the helping organizations that makes a difference."

- Anonymous

"The professionalism and courtsey was amazing. As a senior citizen on a fixed income, this was a gift beyond compare. Thank you ALL for your compassion and the willingness to give so freely of your time and talents. I am so looking forward to living with less pain. God bles each and every one of you 'angels'. Again, thank you, I am truly grateful."

- Jacqui, Merrill

"So glad to see this program in North Central Wisconsin. Proud of all the volunteers and caring professionals. Our need is great and your giving is appreciated. Please keep up all the good work."

- Charman, Minocqua

"You guys and gals are awesome for doing this. The dental epidemic needs to change for adults in Wisconsin."

- Jennifer, Wausau

"Everybody is helpful and got smiles on their face, feel warm and welcome!! Thank you for your time."

- Jason, Mosinee

"Thank you for the new teeth."

- Shelly, Schofield

"This was a wonderful program and very helpful to the community and surrounding area."

- Tiffany, Marshfield

From volunteers

A FAMILY OF VOLUNTEERS The Nenns - Dr. Conrad, dental hygienist Kasey and their daughter, Courtney, a Spanish teacher - have volunteered at MOM for the past three years. The Nenns had their own practice in Wild Rose for more than 25 years and have a long history of treating people in need.

"I just want to say I LOVE meeting the many doctors, hygienists and assistants. It is so nice that the patients are so appreciative!"

- Susan, Kohler

"I had a patient that came just to drop off his wife for services and ended up getting his teeth cleaned!"

- Anonymous

"Every patient was rewarding. Great day. Good organization."

- Volunteer from Hartland

"This was my first MOM and I was just overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and efficiency of all the volunteers. The sheer number of patients we served could have resulted in impersonal care, but I felt every volunteer did a great job in making our patients feel like a real person and not just a number."

- Anonymous

"Thank you for providing this tremendous opportunity. I can't wait til next year!"

- Joan, Wausau

"This is such an amazing event. I have come all 3 years and tell everyone I know to come experience it, too! Dental background or not, this event is an amazing experience of good, humble humanity. Thank you for everyone who puts it together."

- Kim, Stevens Point

"Pre-dental students came from other states to help. Pretty cool!"

- Amanda, Milwaukee

From legislators

		State Sen. Pam Galloway, R-Wausau "It's really overwhelming. It's hard to take in everything at once. There's so much great work being done here. You can see there's a lot of people in need and that their needs are being met. I've heard from the dentists that there's been a lot of gratitude expressed."
		State Rep. Jerry Petrowski, R-Marathon "I think this is a great event for central Wisconsin. At a time when our economy is struggling and there are parents who really don't have the funds to take care of the dental needs of their children. I think this is really an opportunity for all the residents here."
		State Rep. Donna Seidel, D-Wausau "It's such an incredible operation. It's an emotional event when you see the needs of hundreds and hundreds and thousands of people who do not have access to this kind of care getting the treatment that they're desperate for. I'm so proud of the Wausau community and I'm so proud of the dental community for bringing their skills and abilities to help so many people in desperate need. What it does, we know, is not solve the problem but it highlights the great need, the desperate situation that we’re really in to help so many of these people."