We started our first two patients last Wednesday. We had a couple of TV news crews on hand. One ran the story that night. The other got a head start and went to the high schools to interview both patients. The first one shared a very compelling and heartfelt story. The young lady is getting harassed at school because of her multiple missing teeth. She was nominated by her P.E. teacher. The school counselor drove her to the appointment at my office. The entire news crew was in tears several times during their interview. Once back at the station, they shared the footage with the station manager and decided to not run the story as a news story. They want to make a promotional video of sorts and help us promote the Foundation.
We had a very special day and the kids were very appreciative. We live in a very tough economy here in California and our local unemployment just hit 16%. This publicity is very helpful.
I live in Bakersfield, CA
“The public response to the Foundation has been nothing but positive. We are living in a time when positive news is most needed and appreciated. Newspaper articles, radio, TV and other forms of the media have all embraced the program and assisted in getting the word out. My patients and parents admire Petrol Orthodontics for leading the way, and giving back to the members of our community that are often underserved and overlooked. My staff and I are proud to make a difference in our community. What better way than to do what we do best and love the most? It makes perfect sense!”
— Dr. Candide Petrol, Founder and Orthodontic Provider,
S4L, Southwest Riverside County, California
“We all have done pro-bono orthodontic treatment for needy children and families in our communities at some point in time in our careers. Doing so, has always given me the deepest sense of gratification. Having an organized non-profit Foundation, board and annual commitment affords that same great feeling 12 times a year.”
— Dr. Candide Petrol, Founder and Orthodontic Provider,
S4L, Southwest Riverside County, California
After reading Andrea Van Voorhis’ application, the local Board of Directors decided that Andrea would definitely benefit from braces and use her beautiful smile to help others. One segment from her application read as follows:
“Growing up the youngest of five girls always meant that I was the last one in line. My parents worked very hard to support all of us, and their hard work allowed my parents to provide my sisters with braces. It amazes me to see how much confidence they got from having straight teeth. The last couple of years have been a struggle, and that was made worse when my dad passed away in February. The last three months have been very hard on my family, but if there is one thing that my dad would have wanted, he would have wanted me to have the confidence to smile for a lifetime”.
“Larissa is a very bright honors student of Jones High School in Central Florida. Larissa has been accepted with an academic scholarship to Florida A & M University in Tallahassee. Larissa’s teachers regard her as a hardworking student who always strives for her best. Larissa’s high school mentor describes her as “a bright, bubbly girl with what would be an infectious smile, except that her adult teeth came in as if they were thrown in her mouth at random. I am worried that her teeth, which already contribute to low self esteem, will cause health problems down the road if they are not taken care of immediately.” Larissa lives with her Mother who works to make ends meet and striving for her GED. Larissa worked part-time while going to school to help her mother. In addition to her outstanding academic achievements Larissa excels in cheerleading. She participated in the Jones High cheerleader program all four years she attended and earned many awards including “Most Valuable” and “Most Reliable”. Larissa also used her talents to mentor younger cheerleaders in Pop Warner Division. Larissa told her mentor “I want to be the first in my family to attend college, and I will need help to make it happen”. Doctors Dunn and Savastano believe that Larissa is a prime example of what Smile for a Lifetime is all about.