MOORE, Okla. - Our In Your Corner team has new details involving a Veteran who couldn’t afford to fix his rotting teeth.
Late last year, we hooked up Jesse Bishop with Dr. John Hong and Redbud Dental in Moore.
After a year of visits and multiple surgeries, Jesse finally has a million dollar smile to go with a big personality.
“I'm like a man with feathered underwear,” Jesse said. “I'm just tickled to death.”
This grin has been a long time coming.
Jesse was embarrassed to open his mouth.
He is 100 percent service-related disabled.
He qualified for healthcare through the VA but not dental care.
Jesse couldn't afford dental insurance or co-pays so, with the help of Hong and Redbud Dental, we surprised him with new implant supported dentures.
“I truly have to say it's been a great honor for me and a great gift for me to have Mr. Bishop, and I don't say that lightly,” Hong said.
Jesse knows hardship.
He was exposed to 'agent orange' in combat.
He blew out both his knees and broke his back twice.
Despite a lifetime of hard knocks, Jesse lives with purpose.
“Life is one of those precious gifts people overlook, you know,” he said. “It's too short to sit around and try to be miserable.”
Laughter really is the best medicine.
