• Patients
• Volunteers
• Legislators

From patients

Excerpts from 2010 Mission of Mercy patients’ and volunteers' comments, in their own words.

"To all the volunteers: From the bottom of my heart I would like to thank you for making this possible. All your hard work - time and energy are so very much appreciated. I have been suffering for 3 years with pain and no insurance or money to pay for the work; it has been a LONG 3 years! After today everytime I smile I will thank God for such wonderful volunteers that made my smile appear once again!"

- Jo

"Thank you. It's been what 4 years since I last went to the dentist and we can't afford it so I appreciate you dong this. Thanks for the water."

- Anonymous

"This was absolutely awesome!!"

- Tim, La Crosse

"Thank you for being gracious and using your heart, soul and mind to help others that can't help themselves by economic means. You have thus been blessed by God and made many new friends smile with pride again! God bless you all! You are a blessing from God."

- Rick, La Crosse

"I was here yesterday (6-25-10) and I loved it. So I came back today (6-26-10). I think this is a wonderful program, everyone is so nice. I went through the line twice yesterday and I'm so happy with the results I had to finish them. I thank everyone with all my heart. I'm a single mother of two and I can't find a dentist that accepts MA. One of my children likes a Dr. in Manitowoc, but he is the only one that takes children around our area and he won't allow the parent back there so my son won't go to him. I got him done with a program through Head Start called "Smile Day". Now it is my turn. Thank you all so very much I can smile again."

- Kristi, Manitowoc

"I'm very grateful you are here to help myself and everyone else! I was getting very scared and worried what I was going to have to do since being unemployed and on state BadgerCare. There is absolutely no dentists that will accept state insurance unless you drive over 100 miles away/$ is an issue!"

- Laura, Manitowoc

"A large thanks for all your time, compassion and effort! It's truly appreciated."

- Kendra, Milwaukee

"This is a much needed event. We appreciate the many volunteers that have come together to help those of us in need of dental care. We are looking forward to the results of this as having a few extra teeth when we leave. Thanks again for giving of your day and time. The drive from Oshkosh was very nice; watching the sun come up!"

- Shirley, Oshkosh

"I wish there were bigger stronger words than merely thank you, because I didn't only get my teeth fixed I got my smile back and self-confidence as well. How do I thank all the kind volunteers for their generous gift of their talents. I will return again as a volunteer next year as well and I will be forever grateful for a gift I can never repay; the gift of the freedom to hold my head high and just simply smile without shame. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and the shine off my teeth."

- Renee, Roscoe, IL

"I came on June 26. I must say that for me it was one of the best dentist experiences that I have ever had. They are God sent people who have taken their time to help people like myself and may never know how much this means. Thank you all for all the hard work you have done for me and our community."

- Veronica, Sheboygan

"I thank you from the bottom of my soul. No one has been able to help me. I lost my job and do no have insurance and am in a great amount of pain daily. It's amazing all the selflessness you are all displaying. Thank you for your time and generosity."

"This entire experience has changed my life. I was here yesterday and received 7 extractions along with a partial for 5 of my front teeth. It has been years since I could smile without feeling self-conscious. The partial looks very natural and close to what my smile once looked like. Thank you for all of your time. I could not express how grateful I am."

"I am so very grateful You bring hope when I had thought there was none to have. Thank you very much. You are angels from God."

"Thank you all for helping the community."

- Patty, Sheboygan

"I would like to thank everyone that took their time to volunteer and help people. It's truly amazing that there is such a service provided to people that do not have insurance. I have struggled with my teeth as well as my self-esteem for years due to my dental conditions and the lack of care unavailable to me. Thank you!"

- Amber, Sheboygan

"Thanks for all the volunteers, they were polite and kind, they gave food and water and fruit, they thought of everything!"

- Dahlia, Sheboygan

"We just want to thank you for all the great care and kindness you shown."

- Tim, Sheboygan Falls

"I believe that the citizens of the state of Wisconsin are fortunate to have such a wonderful program for those in need of these services."

- Terence, Waukesha

"Thank you so much for the heads up on the mission of mercy! It may have saved my Dad's health!! He had not been complaining about too much pain, (but then he is not a complainer!) but he was concerned with all the broken roots he had in his mouth that the gums had actually grown over. When they took x-rays Saturday at the Mission of Mercy, it showed that his whole upper jaw was infected. (I mean where his teeth were) Also, there was an abscess started on one of his lower teeth that they extracted. He is on Medicare and an extremely limited income, so this was a complete blessing for him. He is so happy this is behind him that he gets teary eyed when he talks about it. I did not realize my sister was having any dental issues until I was telling her about taking Dad there. She has been out of work for 3 or so years and does not have any insurance, so this was great for her also. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart!! We were told the Mission of Mercy is to be held in Wausau next year. My Dad, sister and myself will absolutely be there as volunteers as we think it is a wonderful thing. My Dad is looking forward to "paying something back and helping the cause"!!"

- Chrissy

"Thank you for taking care of my teeth. When I first arrived my mouth hurt really bad, then Dr. Tom took care of 3/4 of my mouth. The next morning my grandpa asked me how my teeth felt and I said they felt awesome. I can't thank you enough for helping me. Thank you very much."

- Dylan

From volunteers

"A girl had nothing but an excited and happy expression along with her boyfriend who brought her after getting all four of her wisdom teeth pulled."

"One of the most incredible charity events I have ever been to, nothing makes people feel better than being able to smile again. Had multiple patients tell us that in pharmacy!!"

"When working in exit interview, one man was so grateful to receive a bag of hygiene products. He told me in Spanish he could cry because he was so full of emotion."

"A woman in her 40s was here the first day. Had work done (extractions). Came back today and stated for the first time in 5 years no mouth pain!!"

"Just the memory of being involved in such an awesome experience. It is humbling to see the need that exists in our own areas and touching to see the appreciation in the eyes and smiles of the patients."

"Thank you for the invitation and the great experience this weekend at the MOM. I really enjoyed myself and learned quite a bit. It is really nice to experience dentistry out of the school environment."

- Kyle, Marquette University School of Dentistry

From legislators

"Thanks for bringing the Mission of Mercy event to Sheboygan. I enjoyed touring the operation and coming back to volunteer some time. The event was a wonderful demonstration of the willingness of the dental community to help those in need and a startling reality check of the work that needs to be done to improve the Medicaid reimbursement rate so that more people can have access to regular dental care. Thanks again to everyone involved."

- Sen. Joe Leibham (R-Sheboygan)

"This experience reinforced how many people are in need of dental care in our state, but it is also clear these events are not the solution to the problem. Dental care needs to be part of comprehensive health care and we must make sure people are receiving these essential services...I commend the WDA and Sheboygan community on a successful event."

- Rep. Donna Seidel (D-Wausau) 

"As I toured the event, I was overwhelmed by the commitment of the organizers, volunteers and dentists lending their services for the weekend. I was honored to be asked to tour the event and speak to so many of the people who gave up their time and energy and also donate the needed supplies for the weekend."

"The project was awesome. Congratulations to you and all involved."

- Rep. Bob Ziegelbauer (I-Manitowoc)