Page 4 - The Islander - November '21

Page 4, The Islander

good WorkS

Bringing Smiles To Wounded

Veterans – WVRF’s Dental Program

By Chrystal D. Rambarath

Diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and oral cancer: What do World War II through present day conflicts. To date, over 10,000 care, it is imperative that access to dental care be expanded.
these afflictions have in common? According to the Center for veterans and their families have received more than $5 million In 2020, WVRF launched their fledgling dental program. It
Disease Control, these and other chronic conditions can be linked in direct financial assistance. WVRF’s intervention and work was piloted in Palm Beach County and offers emergency dental
to poor oral health. While in some cases, it is yet to be determined literally keeps veteran families from becoming homeless. Beyond assistance to qualified veterans. These veterans must have a 10
if poor oral health causes these conditions, it is undeniable that this support, WVRF is also a major advocate of veterans and an percent or more service-connected disability rating or have an
many illnesses can be detected during routine dental checkups. ally as they confront obstacles before them. Their most recent active pending claim, be a Florida resident currently residing
Encouragingly, good oral hygiene and treatment can reduce heart challenge has been to expand dental care access for veterans and in Florida, have been honorably discharged from the military,
attacks by 35 percent. Though that is good news for Americans the launch of their dental program. and need emergency dental care. It is the WVRF’s intention
who have dental insurance and those that adhere to their biannual During an emergency dental examination made possible by that the dental program will be expanded, with a location for
checkups, there is a segment of our population for whom this WVRF, it was detected that one of their veterans was suffering dental services in each of Florida’s 67 counties. In the interim,
basic care is out of reach. from oral cancer. That timely examination caught an oral the nonprofit has the support of at least 10 local dentists who are
Our veterans face danger of all sorts: enemy fire, biological cancer that could have been fatal. This startling realization and ready to donate their services.
and chemical threats, and more. But upon their return home, the discovery of just how few veterans can access dental care Whatever their reasons for serving, veterans are bound by
they also face new dangers – threats that make their transition to prompted WVRF to do something. With support of their board a profound sense of duty and uphold the defense of American
civilian life difficult. One silent, almost undetectable threat can be of directors and the partnership of one local dentist, WVRF values. They willingly risk their lives and make great sacrifices
found in their mouths. As many as 92 percent of veterans served began to bridge this gap in health care for veterans. The lives so that their fellow citizens can enjoy freedom, liberty, and all
by the Veteran’s Affairs system are ineligible for dental care of at least two veterans were saved by early diagnoses during a rights that our citizenship allows. When they return home, and
benefits. Only honorably discharged veterans with a 100 percent dental examination. in their time of need, it is our turn to support them. We hope
service-connected disability qualify for dental care through the In addition to overall physical health, poor oral health is that you are moved by the tribulations that confront them. If
VA. Thankfully, nonprofits often fill the gaps left unserved by also a contributing factor to mental health illnesses. Veterans you are able, we call upon your generosity to expand the critical
the government and the private sector. have shared that they stopped smiling and experienced poor services that the dental program offers. You may donate your
The Wounded Veterans Relief Fund (WVRF), established self-esteem, shame, depression, and job rejections because of the time, skills, or supplies, attend an event, become an advocate,
in 2009, was created to support Florida’s disabled veterans aesthetics and state of their mouths. Gum disease, chronic bad or simply spread news of this essential endeavor among your
by relieving the financial strains that prevent their transition breath, tooth decay, and mouth sores result in loss of confidence family, friends, and networks. To get involved or find out more,
to civilian life. They provide temporary emergency financial among veterans as well. These conditions also jeopardize please call (561) 855-4207, visit www.wvrf.org, find us at the
assistance to qualified disabled veterans. The impact of WVRF’s veterans’ ability to secure a stable job, a critical aspect of their Wounded Veterans Relief Fund on Facebook and LinkedIn,
work is tremendous, considering that Florida is home to the third transition to civilian life. With little financial safety nets, a job or follow us at WVReliefFund on Twitter and Instagram. As
largest population of veterans in the United States – more than keeps veterans and their families with roofs over their heads. former President Calvin Coolidge once said, “The nation which
1.5 million people. The nonprofit supports veterans who served in With the increased demand among veterans for mental health forgets its defenders will be itself forgotten.”

Singer profile from page 1 Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr. are the original stars and
lead singers of the legendary group, The 5th Dimension, where
records. Celebrity super couple Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis they launched Champagne and Pop Soul Classics, including
Jr., have seven Grammy Awards under their belt and comedian Up, Up and Away, Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In, Worst That
Rita Rudner has the longest-running solo act in Las Vegas Could Happen, Stoned Soul Picnic, Sweet Blindness, Wedding
history. These entertainment legends will join forces on Jan. Bell Blues, and One Less Bell to Answer. After leaving The 5th
9 for what Lois Pope, founder and chair of LIFE – Leaders in Dimension, Marilyn and Billy recorded You Don’t Have To Be
Furthering Education promises to be “an extraordinary evening A Star (To Be In My Show), a chart-topping number one record,
of entertainment, and all for a good cause, of course!” which won them their seventh Grammy Award and a network
The Lady in Red Gala is always an evening of “great fun, television variety show on CBS.
great food, and great friends coming together to benefit the A house-filling favorite in Las Vegas since she opened as
most vulnerable and at-risk members of our community,” one of the hottest tickets in town in June 2000, Rita Rudner is
Pope said. “In fact, as Dionne Warwick herself sings, That’s known for her one-liners. Throughout a 14-year run and 2,000-
What Friends Are For.” Billy Davis Jr. and Marilyn plus shows, she has sold one and a half million tickets and
Proceeds will benefit disabled veterans through the McCoo Rita Rudner become the longest-running solo comedy show in the history
“Pups4Patriots” program at American Humane and South of Las Vegas. She has been named Las Vegas’s “Comedian Of
Florida youth through the Palm Beach County Food Bank’s disabled veterans, impoverished and underserved children, The Year” nine years in a row.
“Lois’ Food4Kids” program, a year-round initiative that provides in saving dogs and cats, and so much more – is because of Chairs of the gala are Lois Pope, Dr. Robin Ganzert, and
underserved, disadvantaged children with nutritious meals when the generosity, empathy, friendship, and commitment of our Marti LaTour. Grand Honorary Chair is Christine Lynn and
they are not in school, on weekends, and during the summer. supporters and board of directors.” Honorary Chairs are Gail Worth and Frank Orenstein. Cochairs
“Everyone who attends the gala will experience an Of course, the success of the Lady in Red Gala is also are Holly and David Dreman, Connie Frankino, Suzi Goldsmith,
unforgettable night, while also making a difference in attributable to the quality of its entertainment. Indeed, the Patrick and Milly Park, and Suzie Sayfie. Inspirational Chair is
people’s lives,” said Pope. “That’s always been our guiding great ones endure, and Dionne Warwick has long been one of Tova Leidesdorf and Entertainment Chair, Sunny Sessa.
principle. Everything that we have achieved with the Lady the greatest. She was discovered by Burt Bacharach and Hal Corporate Ambassadors are Valentino; Ambassador
in Red Gala over nearly three decades – all the lives we have David in 1961. She went on to record 18 consecutive Top 100 Realty Corp.; Van Cleef & Arpels; Walter J. Schwenk,
touched for the better, the difference we have made in helping singles, including Don’t Make Me Over, Walk on By, Say a AAMS, managing director and investment officer, Wells
Little Prayer, A House Is Not A Home, Alfie, Heartbreaker, Fargo Advisors; and Gladys & Sy Ziv Foundation, Ronald
and Déjà Vu, among countless others. She received her first S. Kochman, president.
Grammy in 1968 for Do You Know the Way to San Jose? For more information about tickets, tables, and sponsorships,
and became the first African American solo female artist or to receive an invitation to LIFE’s 28th annual Lady in Red
of her generation to win the prestigious award for Best Gala, please call (561) 582-8083 or email life@life-edu.org. To
Contemporary Female Vocalist Performance. learn more about LIFE, visit life-.edu.org.

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