A few months ago I emailed a bunch of friends to help me choose six favorite words matched with hubby Terry Barrett’s gorgeous photographs because I wanted to make a new jewelry piece.

The top favorite word? Listen.

But instead of making listen into something, I practiced listening.

I listened to a brave woman share her difficulty about having dental disease, and her transformation from feeling like a silent monster to feeling seen, heard, and loved after fixing her teeth.

I listened to a mom with dental disease who struggled and found dental care for her four-year-old daughter, but not for herself.

I listened to a journalist who wrote an article series to address dental care for the under-served.

I listened to people who created and run a remarkable charitable organization (Turning Points, Bradenton, FL) that offers dental and medical care to people living in poverty.

And, I listened to my heart.

So, I launched PROJECT SMILE to fund dental care for the unfortunate, beginning with a young woman named Megan and too many others in line at Turning Points who are hoping for the self-confidence and possibilities that a new smile brings.

I hope you’ll consider helping. Even the smallest donation will make a significant difference.