KG
Karen Cote (Bible Story Graphics)
Jan 5, 2026
It’s been a tough year. As a breast cancer survivor with complications, I’ve undergone seven surgeries over the past year (with more to come). The treatments, antibiotics, and drugs involved have weakened my body and changed me beyond recognition. We are hopefully beginning reconstruction soon (finally). It is not my intent to garner sympathy; although I’m grateful for all the support and sentiment I’ve received, I long to see a return to normal and to turn this journey into recovery. I never realized the impact this ordeal would have on my teeth, as my smile has always been something cherished and commented on positively throughout my life. When a previously repaired chip on my front tooth came off, it felt devastating. Despite my natural optimism and fighting spirit, it was incredibly hard to conjure up hope for my smile. Then I took the brave step of making an appointment with Ryan Family Dentistry. To my surprise, the appointment was arranged almost instantly. Walking is still a challenge for me, and upon arriving, I realized I’d left my glasses in the car. Reluctant to walk back, I was amazed when the person assisting me asked if my glasses were readers and offered several pairs from a drawer. This simple act of kindness overwhelmed me; it was a level of service I had never experienced before. Although I won’t go into detail about the beautiful decor—pictures online don’t capture the warmth and comfort—I must mention the hygienist who greeted me. She was bubbly, witty, and utterly adorable, putting me at ease with her knowledge and genuine care. My experience had already exceeded expectations when I met Dr. Patton. He embodies pride in his work, but even more so, he radiates care, understanding, gentleness, and remarkable skill. I found myself overwhelmed to tears as I witnessed his dedication; he truly cares about each patient. In that moment, hope emerged anew as this amazing doctor—who wasn’t even my dentist yet (though he’s now stuck with me)—began to restore what I had thought was lost forever. After enduring a year of waiting for any semblance of reversal in this nightmare, it struck me that a dentist could give back so much of what I believed I had lost. Finally, amidst all the specialists I’ve encountered, I was experiencing the first signs of recovery on this arduous journey. From the depths of my heart, thank you, Dr. Patton, for renewing my optimism, hope, and my smile.