Deserving Diva's! Now is the time to nominate

Well, it has been a few weeks since the "reveal" .  What a funfilled wonderful day it was for me.  I felt like a "Queen for a Day" as Dr. Williams would say. Since that day, I have started on my diet and excersise.  I am not there yet but working on it and I can say, my whole life has changed a bit since that day.  We ladies always put ourselves last.  We have projects, we are caregivers, we have families to take care of and when that is all done we still are giving.  I have found the best person I can give to after God and my family is me.  This has really changed my perspective about taking care of me. I didn't realize how much it allows me to do even more and do it at my best when I take care of me. I think it has given me back something that I lost, which was me. 

Who would have ever thought that this time last year I was on a list that would so drastically change my life forever and be such a lavish gift. So, if you know of Deserving Diva that is always putting others first and needs a Dental makeover, now is the time to nominate her.  It may even be that someone wants to nominate you.!  I know my life was changed, now is the time to help change someone else's.

Countdown!

Tomorrow is the Big Reveal for the 3 fortunate women selected to have the dental makeover. Besides all the work that Dr. Williams and his staff have so generously given to us, we have been treated to a salon makeover at Revival Hair Salon and wow! are they fantastic! I have a new "do" which is considerably shorter than my old pony tail hairstyle and much more stylish. And then Bernice at Panache helped me select a Audrey Hepburn sleek black dress with a mink trimmed sweater to match and some bling to go with it too! I might add that Andrea has been there for me through the whole process and helped me decide on just the right outfit. She is one super lady and a wonderful coordinator! So tomorrow we are to be at Revival to get ready for the big day at the Gwinnett Marriot. It has been incredible to be treated so royally! So it will be easy to smile and show beautiful teeth--isn't a smile just so important! Thanks again to Dr. Williams for making this all possible. I'm looking forward to seeing the other ladies too. We have certainly been blessed. Thanks doesn't seem like enough to express my appreciation for all that has been done, but since there are no words to adequately describe my gratefulness...thanks will have to be the word. Thanks Thanks!!

Just one more day!

Wow!  I can't believe it is already here.  It seems like yesterday that I was sitting in the office being "interviewed", LOL. Who knew that day would change my life and God would answer an incredible prayer that I have been praying for years now. I have had the best time, shopping, getting my hair done and seeing a smile emerge.  In fact, I looked back over picture after picture and not one had me fully smiling where you could actually see my teeth.  What an unconscious act of hinding my teet and not realizing it. But no longer!  Dr Williams and Dr Golik have given so much time and effort to perfect my smile, I can't hide it!

So tomorrow is the big day!  Hope you can make it out!  It is going to be fun, exciting and exhilerating but most of all a moment to reflect on how great God is.  That Dr, Williams saw a need to help and went the extra mile and extended the hands of feet of the gospel to us so that we can feel better about ourselves and to be healthier.  We all have new smiles but we are all healthier.  Our pain is gone and our smiles are big to honor all those that have worked so hard to help us be even better.

Our family sends the best hug to all the staff at Suwannee Dental and to Andrea, Dr. Williams and Dr. Golik for your continued care and the biggest blessing of my life.

Just a week to the reveal

Wow, time has passed.  I can't wait until next week.  So many things have already changed but not just with my teeth.  When this process started back in February, I was just so thankful to get my teeth fixed that a new smile was just a secondary gift.  What I didn't realize is the changes that would start in my heart about myself. 

These past years I have not had time or energy to really take care of myself. I really have been run down but something about a new smile, a new point of view on your life can really change your perspective. Dr, Williams and Dr, Golick will never really know the depths of appreciation I have to the things God has done in my heart over the last few months with this opportunity to have a new smile.

I have started taking an inventory of myself.  I have started realizing how much I need to take care of my physical body not just the inside. All those changes can't be seen yet on the outside but they will soon,. I feel better, I have more energy and soon I will have a new hairstyle and a beautiful new smile.  By the end of the year I will have achieved the things God started showing me when this started..."Me".  I just need to take those steps and take care of "Me" just as much as those around me.  When you are a care giver and have that heart, sometimes the "me" gets left out.

Thank you so much Suwaneed Dental, Dr, Golik, Dr Williams...I will forever hold in my heart those things you have taught me along the way.

The Class of 2010, a year later

It has been a year since I had my own reveal with the Deserving Divas.  And what a year it has been.  God has continued to do amazing things both personally and professionally.  Dr Williams made a statement in my wrap-up video that said "When she gets that last bit of self-doubt out of the way, she will be one unstoppable woman".  SO TRUE!!

I have embraced the new, more confident woman that God and Suwanee Dental have allowed me to be.  Professionally, I have gone after some big international ministries to work with and am thrilled to say that we are now working together. And, I am not afraid to go after more!! I have been able to mentor other people through many of the situations I have experienced in my own life.  I travel internationally for work as well as to teach about "The Gift of Hospitality".  I am blessed to call Pastors, Apostles, successful business people, Dove and Grammy award winners my friends. There are precious friends I know have all over the world.  One big change that I experienced is that I embraced the fact that God wanted all of this and more for me.  We are SO worthy, SO valued in His eyes.  We are his precious children and he wants us to thrive in this world, not just survive, barely getting by.

"Thank you" can never express what I feel towards Dr Williams and Suwanee Dental for their sacrifices, love and willingness to be used by God.  Sometimes, God needs those human hands to touch, reach and serve.
I am unbelievably proud to forever be a part of the Suwanee Dental Deserving Divas and the Deserving Diva Foundation.

Less Than a Week!

Next Thursday my dental work will be completed and the temporary crowns removed and the bridges and crowns will be placed. It is wonderful to think my bite will be so improved that headaches should be a thing of the past!! To any one who has struggles with TMJ bite problems, please check out Suwanee Dental Care. They have the most up to date equipment and do such great work. End your misery--it will be so worth it. I can already tell a difference just with the temporary crowns. My bite is improved and I look different. Monday I will go in and they will check to make certain we are on target and everything is balanced, and then Thursday it will be a done deal. I am so excited!

Fun Day

Today I was able to spend some wonderful time with Andrea as we went to get fitted for my clothes for the big reveal.  What a fun experience!  Having Bernice and Andrea there to help guide me through the clothes process was a time that I have not had in years.  I felt special and blessed.  Panache in Suwanne  Town Center is the perfect place to shop for fun clothes and accessories.

I was a little bummed today because my temporaries and permanents did not make it in this week.  I am probably only slighty bummed compared to Dr. Golik.  What an incredible dentist.  He cares so much.  But when they do get here, it is going to one huge smile. 

As I am sitting here writing, I have just read Nancy's blog. My mind wondered back to the beginning and through the last few months.  There have been so many changes in my heart since that first day.  The people that work in Suwanee Dental have been such a blessing to me. They have extended to me the true example of the hands and feet of the gospel.  They have loved on me and encouraged me each and every time I step into the office. From Linda, at the front desk to Dr. Golik in the "chair" I have been so blessed to be a part of this process.  The people in the office have spent extra time, support and care to make sure that I not only have a new smile but the best smile!  What an overwhelming gift that has been for me.  I am not even sure I know how to receive it.  I was telling Andrea today that if they did nothing else I would be happy. 

So, Dr. Williams and Dr. Golik...thank you.  You guys are the best but I also love every hygenist and assistant you  have as well.  I would not know what I would do without them and I know you feel the same.  And Andrea and Brook...well...you guys are the best!

As we move forward and get closer to the reveal the excitement is building.  I can't wait to see the end results.  I saw Nancy, with her temporaries in the office the other day and she looked so lovely.  Just a beautiful lady with a beautiful smile.  We are so humbled and so blessed.

Quick Thought

Today I was driving and looked up at my teeth in the rear view mirror. They are the temporary ones, but a likeness of the real deal. I thought of all the people in this world who would love to have a competent professional like Dr. Williams do their teeth and it made me feel so humbled to have this amazing privilege. I am really looking forward to the 18th when he puts in the permanent teeth. Knowing his work, I know they will be wonderful.

Last Thursday a week ago, Dr. Wiliams took his day off and spent it doing my extreme dental work. Yes, I was in the chair for 6 and a half hours. I wondered after wards if my mouth would permanently be the size of Julia Roberts! :) But It was worth the temporary discomfort and I will add that Dr. Williams does the best job of injections ever--hardly feel them. And he spent 6 and a half hours non-stop giving me the best of care and dental work that would have been hard for me to ever manage financially. What a blessing! He removed old crowns and prepped me for 3 bridges and did other dental work. So now I have a mouth full of temporary teeth and I'm looking forward to the 18th when the beautiful permanent teeth will be fitted. Hello other dental and medical providers--here is a doctor who gives back in big ways. Not a day goes by that I don't think how blessed I am to have the absolute best dental care possible. Five stars for Suwanee Dental Care!!

The Next Step in this Journey

Tonight I am both nervous and excited to be near the end of this journey to have my dental work completed. I have been wearing a TMJ dental mouthpiece for almost 6 months to ready my jaws for the approaching work. My teeth were so worn down that this was necessary to prepare me for the extensive work Dr. Williams will be doing. It is wonderful to think my bite will be better and my teeth built up to a level that both improves function and looks. The work tomorrow will take at least 6 hours so I am psyched up and ready to have this next step done. And to think they are using a day off to come in to do this work for me! I am so blessed and grateful.

It's finally all coming together!

I can't believe it has been  seven months already!  Where does the time go.  I have spent most of that seven months with some extensive dental surgery.  Dr. Golik has been taking care of some bone loss (bone grafts) implants and crowns., All for the foundation of strong teeth, replacement teeth and gums. So it seemed I was having surgery every two weeks.  But it has been worth it!.  Dr. Golik and the team at Suwannee Dental have been amazing.  Every visit, every surgery, every pain they have walked with me.  Their care and support has been amazing.

But, when people ask how it is going and can we see a difference yet?  I haven't been really able to let them see how amazing the end result is going to be. Dr. Golik has been doing so much of the ground work that is necessary before we can get to the fun stuff.  Finally last week I went in for all my impressions for the reveal and next week I will at least get to see a good start of new, beautiful, brilliant teeth. All of it will not be in yet but the crowns will be and that will start the process. 

My biggest issue was all my broken teeth that had infection.  Now, my teeth feel so strong.  All I wanted was to be able to chew and not hurt and I have been so blessed that I have already achieved that goal.  The over the top blessing is I will be able to have these beautiful new teeth, strong gums and a brilliant smile to go with it! The "cherry" on top of the ice cream I can now eat is that I have this wonderful team at the dentist that even when I know it is NOT going to be a fun visit, they walk me through it every step of the way.  How amazing is all this?  For me, a blessing beyond anything I could have imagined.

Next Week

Next week on Thursday, Dr. Williams will give up his day off to spend a good part of the day removing my old crowns and prepping my teeth for major dental reconstruction. For years I have been self-conscious of the way I look when I close my teeth. It looks like my face collapses and I look years older. I have tried to remember not to put my teeth together as you would in a relaxed position. It has been frustrating. And then there was the feeling that it would always be that way. My husband is a minister and we don't have dental insurance or the funds for extensive dental work. Dr. Williams generous offer to fix my teeth is a wonderful blessing. And the added bonus is that my persistent headaches should end. That will be so wonderful! So I look forward to next Thursday. After months of preparing for this moment, the time is almost here. And what I feel more than anything is gratitude. And not only to Dr. Williams, but his entire staff who have been so kind and supportive and helpful. Thank you. Thank you!!

Anticipation!

Almost every day I think of the approaching finish of the dental work Dr. Williams and his great team are doing for me. Anticipation is always part of the joy of a gift, kind of like Christmas when you are a child! Wearing the mouth guard gives me an idea of how it will feel not to experience bad headaches and jaw pain on a regular basis. Building up my bite and adding bridges and other dental work is something I wanted, but didn't believe was even a possibility. In our work (my husband is a minister) we try to focus on others, so it is wonderful to be given extensive dental work that we couldn't afford. It is an incredible gift and I especially want others to know what a giving person Dr. Williams is to the community and what a competent professional he is in his work. It would be great if other professionals gave back as he does. He does mission work as well as this effort to provide dental work for individuals who couldn't otherwise have it done. So as the time approaches to complete my dental work, I am very excited and grateful.

Ready For The New Smile Test Drive

I see our Deserving Divas coming into the office on a regular basis now as Dr. Smith and Dr. Golik work on their special areas with each Diva. The progress of each is amazing and it was so good to get a great big hug today from Shefjie! She is looking soooooo, Good!

Soon, when we get back from our mission trip to Kenya in June, it will be time for our next Deserving Diva, Nancy Reaves, to see just what her new smile will look like. She has been diligently wearing a TMJ mouthpiece, called a Neuromuscular MORA (mandibular orthopedic repositioning appliance) for the past six months to "prove" that the new bite position which we diagnosed in the beginning will actually be comfortable to her and allow her jaw muscles to function at optimum health and wellness.

We will have a laboratory "mockup" of her new smile at the new bite position. Remember, she had a very collapsed bite, a deep bite that gave her a "grandma" look, a look as if she had no teeth at all. Her wrinkles in her face when she closed her teeth together made her appear a much older lady than she actually was. Now that she has been wearing her TMJ appliance, she not only feels better but she looks better. Not only are her headaches gone....so are her "age wrinkles"!

Yes, Nancy is in for a big day, a test drive of her new smile. Stay tuned for some reports on just how well she likes what she sees.

The process is long but so worth it!

Sunday, after church, we stopped in a restaraunt to get a bite to eat.  When my family and I sat down you will never believe who we saw?  Dr. WIlliams.  What a treat.  He has not had the chance to meet my family and they were so thrilled to meet him.  Olivia was just gushing how much she was so happy about my progress with all the dentistry work.  My family is really starting to see the changes, not just in my mouth but also my stress level has gone way down. What a blessing.

Lately I feel like my job is to hang out up at Suwanee Dental, LOL. I have been back and forth to see Dr. Golick this last month for so many things to get ready for my implants next week.  We have lasered my gums, we have whitened my teeth ( I will not even tell you how many shades lighter they are) and we have cleaned, cleaned and cleaned my gums.  But, oh so worth it.  If I didn't get anything else done with my teeth I would be happy.  I can't tell you how much better they feel.  How much easier it is to eat and not always have that aching feeling in your mouth.

But, next week is the  big day!  I get those implants started and well, I am sure I will not be able to talk too much for a bit.  But of course I always think the worst and it seems that it is not as bad as I build it up to be.  One day I went home and just knew my mouth was going to hurt for a week but by the next day I was back to normal.  It is really starting to take the worry out of going to the dentist for sure. Their new techniques and medicines really help ease the pain and worry. So going to the dentist can be fun and exciting.  I know it was for me when they whitened my teeth.  WOW.

Well, I will update after the big surgery next week and I want to thank all the staff at Suwanee Dental.  They make you feel special and cared for every time you go in.  They are the best in my book.

Barb King

Update

This past week I went in to have DR. Williams give me an idea of the work they would be doing. I was asked to select a set of teeth that appealed to me and the color. Wow! What an opportunity! I feel so blessed. I will be gone for a month. My husband and I will be doing mission work in England. So when I return and Dr. Williams returns from his mission trip it will be full stream ahead. Yeah! Appreciate so much this opportunity to have my teeth fixed by someone so capable!

This Makeover Process is TRULY life-changing

I wanted to "officially" and a little lately, welcome all of the 2011 Divas.  Being a part of the Deserving Diva Foundation is such an honor.  The divine connections and associations are straight form heaven.  Our deeds are not always noticed and acknowledged here on earth.  But Dr Bill and the team at Suwanee Dental are doing a bit of the rewarding.
Ladies, I promise you, the mere ability to smile in public without worry, is so FREEING.  I joked that I needed a class to teach me how to smile without looking like a psychopath, because I has never truly smiled before.  I can tell you though...I think I have it down now.

I can't wait to meet you all in person.  The class of 2010 welcomes you to "Deserving Divas"

Just Thinkin' :)

Today I was just thinking how blessed I am and obviously being chosen as a Deserving Diva immediately came to mind. Long-term pain, even if moderate, can be depressing. The prospect of having my TMJ problems addressed and solved sounds almost too good to be true. You know how it is when you wait so long for something that you actually learn to live with it and expect to continue to deal with it...so you adjust. Now I am having to adjust to the idea of having this incredible amount of dental work done. Nice problem, Right? Headaches have been a part of my life for too long, but I'm ready to say "Adios" to them. And besides the TMJ problems being fixed, my teeth will look much nicer too. Life is good. :)

A Note from Nancy

Greetings from Cumming, Georgia! Today completed my second visit to Suwanee Dental Care since being chosen as a Deserving Diva. It is like getting a huge Christmas present and waiting for the big reveal. I am so excited to think that my TMJ problems are finally going to be fixed by such a capable individual as Dr. Williams. I have had headaches for as long as I can remember. It was common to wake up with my jaws hurting and a numbing headache dulling my enthusiasm for the day. So many folks have headaches and just aren't aware that it could be due to dental problems or dental abnormalities that could be fixed. Modern dental care is amazing and Suwanee Dental care has the latest state of the art equipment. I went there a few years ago with my father to have some much needed dental work done for my mother who is in late stage Alzheimer's disease. They were so efficient and kind to her. I was dreading taking her, but through sedation dentistry it was simple and easy and she slept through the whole process. I told my Dad that if I could ever have my dental work done, I would choose Suwanee Dental Care. And wonder of wonders, here I am and privileged to be having an extensive amount of dental work done by Dr.Williams and his friendly, competent staff. Wouldn't it be great if other dentists and doctors of medicine followed his example and provided needy or deserving patients with such a wonderful gift? I love the "pass it on" philosophy of life and have tried to give back when I can. Dr. Williams does that and it is encouraging to see a professional think of others. So now I have begun the journey and before long the dental work I've needed to prevent headaches will be done. Isn't that great? I am so grateful ....and excited!

God works Miracles in Dentistry

Hi, this is Barb,

I have been quiet a bit waiting on someone else to post.  Yeah! Shefjie! I also wanted to "meet" the other diva's.  They did a great story on all of us on Saturday.  I loved hearing about Shefjie and Nancy.  Their stories of devotion to their families was so touching and so giving. Some very beautiful stories and such an honor to see such giving women. I am so thankful to be in their company.

I am also excited about my dental work so far.  Though, pulling my teeth was not a joy at all the after effect was phenomenal. I had so much infection that it was really driving my diabetes up. All this time my doctors thought I was insulin resistant. I have been on so much insulin it seemed crazy. What a small price, a little pain, for such a huge gift.  Once the healing process began my sugar started getting more and more in the normal range.  Within three weeks it is almost completely normal all day long.

 I have heard before to take care of your teeth that it can affect your health but I did not realize what it could really do. I have always been to the dentist until Olivia became ill and needed her transplants about 10 years ago. That is really when the trouble began. It started with one root canal that went bad and my teeth went down hill from there. There is some damage to my nerves that cannot be reversed from diabetes but just this one procedure has been the biggest blessing and miracle that God could bestow on me.

Deserving Diva 2011 S. Lika

OK so I am new to blogging and new to anything in life being about me. I have officially started the process of correcting my smile. While I have wanted to blog since I learned that I have won I didn't know what to say, I wasn't even sure how I was feeling. I watched the video on youtube ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6pGGSqC_dU&feature=autofb ) over and over again and still can't believe that I am a "Deserving Diva" . While I feel blessed and very grateful I continuously find myself struggling with accepting what Dr.Williams said to me "God is shinning on you" . I have mentally removed myself from my own life while going through the motions of being a mother,a friend, a paraprofessional etc. This is more than a win for me this is more like an opportunity to grow, an invitation for me to re-enter my own life.

Our Third Deserving Diva, Shefije!

Shefije, definitely a Deserving Diva you want to meet!

We met Shefije last year through our Diva Nominations but it was just not quite her time. Little did she know, we never forgot who she was or what she does! When we received even more nominations for Shefije in 2011, we were convinced that this was the year she would get her smile back. She is a single mother of five children and this is what some say about her “Beyond her own family, Shefije is a warm, kind, supportive presence to many children and adults in our community. She is that mom who makes it to three class parties all at the same time and, somehow, helps to make all the parties better, by her help and by her spirit. For no special reason, Shefije commits small acts of kindness or gratitude for teachers and kids. Or, she shows up with needed school supplies. In seeing her interact in the cafeteria, hallways, and meetings, it’s clear that she is a true friend to many in our community. It is obvious that she knows and cares about what is happening in the families in our school. Shefije doesn’t have a lot of material things. What she has, she shares. Generously. She gives all that she can, all of the time.” Melissa Faulkner Snellville,GA. We are so excited that Shefije is a part of our 2011 Deserving Diva Makeover contest. We couldn’t ask for a better group of deserving ladies this year.
Stay tuned for more updates!

More about our Deserving Diva Nancy!

This photo is off Nancy with Dr. Williams as she called her husband to tell him the good news!

Nancy lives in Cumming where she and her husband Pastor a church. Nancy is a full time caretaker (for the last 7 years) to her mother who has stage 4 Alzeimers. Their son has been a missionary in Mexico where Nancy takes frequent mission trips to supply shoes, clothing and Bibles to needy people. Her heart is to bless those in need in any situation she can. She recieved Alzheimer’s Caregiver of the year in 2008 from a local radio station due to the extraordinary job she does caring for her parents. She teaches classes through their church and as a couple, her and Brownlee also do marriage counseling. They also started a congregation in Midtown Atlanta. Nancy teaches Bible Classes to teens concerning marriage and adulthood. Nancy has also written a book for teens about choosing a mate for life Brownlee and Nancy never turn anyone away that is in need. They have opened their house over and over to complete strangers and provided a place for them to live until they could get on their feet.

We are so excited to begin treatment with Nancy, she is truly a Deserving Diva. Check out our facebook page: Deserving Diva Foundation

Stay tuned for blogs from each of our Diva's as they embark on this new journey!

My First Appointment --Barbara King

I went in this week for my first appointment and for them to give me their assessment and what will be done.  I am going to leave that a mystery until the reveal but all I am going to say is that I was overwhelmed. I can't wait for you to know and see all that is going to be done.  I can already feel a difference in my teeth from my first cleaning.  WOW. My first appointment was a consultation and periodontal cleaning.

When I walked in the office I already knew and expected what a periodontal cleaning would be like. I had to have that deep cleaning done when Olivia was little. In fact, after it was done back then I swore never to return to that awful place because the pain was so excruciating.  So I had steeled myself to be ready for the worst and boy was I surprised. Jennifer took such great care with my teeth and took her time. I did not have any of the pain and she worked ferociously on my teeth. I knew for sure that for days my gums and teeth were going to be in a state of pain and soreness.  But to my surprise, I had a little discomfort but it was fabulous. She sent me home on a daily routine and I have been more than happy to keep it up.

So now I am waiting on my second appointment but it has really changed some things in me. I have had to see myself, really look at myself, something I have not done in a long while. I have forgotten about me and taking care of me.  So, this has also put me back into exercising and that did have pain to it.  But, it feels good. It feels like I am taking back a little bit of control in my world of chaos.

I have spent the last ten years juggling my life from the hospital to trying to have a normal one. Olivia has fought hard going through two transplants and so much that comes with Cystic Fibroses and Diabetes as well.  I have seen her grow into a beautiful young lady and now she needs me to get back that energy and self confidence I had long ago so when she is finally better from this transplant…well, you just never know how much fun our family can have.

Have a great week

Barb

Deserving Diva--Barbara King

I am sitting here in the quiet, well mostly quiet, trying to gather my thoughts on how overwhelmed I am at winning this award.  If you have ever been that person that never wins anything, I would be it. So to be honored with this award and opportunity has it's impact in just that I won.  But, as I came to realize the process of how the person is chosen, the nominations that were sent in, the heartfelt friends that I have, I am more overcome with awe than before.

I also, through this process had some time to get to know the staff at Suwanee Dental Care. When I walked into the building for the first time I had no idea what to expect.  But as I met the staff, walked around the offices I was amazed at how professional but also how much care everyone expressed.   I marveled at the wall that holds many, many pictures of mission trips that are taken to help others in poverty stricken countries. As I took it all in I realized that it wasn't a hard stretch to see why this office was holding this contest for the Deserving Diva Makeover. The heart of the staff and Doctors was evident throughout the building.

My last appointment was last week to go in for what we thought was a final evaluation. My week had already been so crazy because Olivia is in the hospital at Egleston. I had to get my Stepmom to meet me downtown, rush to Suwanee and then do a video interview.  I was so rushed and worried about being on time I did not have time to really think about this video interview I was supposed to participate in. I just knew I was going to mess the whole thing up in my rush.

In reality it was an interview and then the announcement. Dr. Williams had some final "questions" and was the one who told me I won. I remember being so nervous and thinking I hope I am answering all these questions correctly then all of sudden the questions became the announcement.  Wow.  I can't remember being so caught off guard and so shocked in all my life. I was able to call my husband and my daughter to hear both of them squeal and yell with excitement because of all people, they knew what this means to me and most of all my mouth.  In fact, all weekend every few minutes we would all say "hey Mom, you are getting your teeth fixed, woohoo".

I can say that I definitely had the need to get a dental makeover. Time and finances have taken a toll on my teeth over the last few years. So, when I eat, go out to eat with friends or talking with colleagues and friends I am constantly aware of my mouth. I have hid the pain, the suffering and the damage for years.  It has taken another toll as well, on my diabetes and my health. I have prayed for the last couple of years for a way to at least get the essentials done.  It is amazing to me how God had a plan and the plan not only included the essentials but also to have a full makeover so my whole mouth will have a renewed look and solid foundation for my teeth for a long time.

It is so hard to conceive still that I won. It seems so surreal. But, I am so thankful, so honored and so blessed to be a part of this process words cannot convey how I truly feel.

Barbara King, a Truly Deserving Diva

Barbara King, how do you start writing about such an incredible woman? She is the type of lady that you meet and she makes a lasting impression on your heart. We were touched by this woman from her first nomination and as they kept pouring in, we were more and more convinced that she was just the person to be one of our Deserving Diva’s in 2011.

She is a business owner, teacher, care giver, volunteer and Mother to a daughter of 14 who has been battling Cystic Fibroses her whole life. Barbara is also on the board of advisors at Egleston where her daughter Olivia has been spent more days last year then at home.

Barbara is a caring, giving person who is very involved in her church. The people that know her the best say that she is a light in their lives and you would never know that she has been under such stress. We agree that Barbara is a bright and joyful person who understand the meaning of giving back in it’s truest sense.

Congratulations Barbara! You are truly Deserving! Watch for more updates from Barbara and our other 2 Deserving Diva’s in 2011.

Suwanee Dental Care
www.suwaneedental.com
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Meet your 2011 Deserving Divas!

Meet Nancy Reaves! She is one of our 3 Deserving Divas! Yes, that's right, we are going to have 3 ladies this year! We got to tell Nancy yesterday that she will be the recipient of a smile makeover this year! Nancy won the caregiver of the year award as she is the full time caregiver for her mother who is in the 4th stage of alzeimers. Nancy, like Dr. Williams and his wife, takes regular mission trips overseas to give back internationally. She is the wife of a minister and they currently pastor a church in Cumming. What a wonderful lady!

Our 2nd Deserving Diva this year is Barbara King! Barbara has an incredible story and we are honored to have the opportunity to give her the smile she has always wanted. She has been an incredible pillar in the community and has been a great source of strength for her family. With a wonderful daughter who is cystic fibrosis, they spend more days in the hospital then at home. You would never know it when you meet Barbara, she is a bright star.

Last but certainly not least we have Shefije Lika.. a single mother of five incredible kids. Shefije had so many people nominate her, they told us she is so deserving of this and after meeting her, we think so too. She has given back to her community whether it's by working with Autistic kids, tutoring the underprivileged she is committed to teaching kids life skills.

We are proud to announce to you the three ladies we will be giving a smile makeover this year. We can't wait to share their stories, bios, videos, blogs and more! Stay tuned for updates on your Deserving Diva's of 2011! Check our "Deserving Diva" facebook page!

Where it all began..

The Deserving Diva Makeover Contest was founded in 2009 by Dr. Bill Williams of Suwanee Dental Care. He was looking for a way to give back by rewarding the women in our community who are exemplary but also have a great need for dental care. The first year, after several small announcements, hundreds of nominations poured in. With such an overwhelming response, in 2010, Dr. Williams granted 4 women the chance to have the smile they always dreamed of. With dramatic makeover results that changed the lives of Debra Montgomery, Patti Shiver, Gwendolyn Richardson and Heather Trompke, Dr. Williams whole heartedly made the decision to yet again accept nominations for a Deserving Diva. With yet again, hundreds of nominations pouring in, Dr. Williams has narrowed down his search for the Deserving Diva of 2011 by these criteria:

1. A pillar in the local community
2. Ability to have the work performed
3. A severe dental need

“This is one of the most difficult yet rewarding in my career as a dentist” said Dr. Williams. After reading through hundreds of nominations and narrowing it down to ten, Dr. Williams, Dr. Smith and Dr. Golik are ready to announce the Suwanee Dental Care 2011 Deserving Diva...

Stay Tuned!