The holiday season is often filled with joy and celebration, but for many, it can also serve as a reminder of heartache and loss. At Solace Oral Surgery and Implant Center in Nashville, we recognize that a smile is more than just an expression—it’s a symbol of hope, resilience, and the courage to embrace a new beginning. This belief drives our annual *Smile for Christmas* initiative, where we give the gift of a life-changing smile through dental implants and the All-on-4 procedure to someone who truly needs a fresh start.
Each year, we invite people to share their stories with us, describing how a new smile could transform their lives. These stories of perseverance and strength inspire us, and none more so than the remarkable story of Katrina Robertson, one of our *Smile for Christmas* recipients a few years ago.
Katrina’s Story: A Journey of Transformation and Hope
Katrina Robertson’s life has been a testament to the power of healing, hope, and resilience. Growing up in Nashville, Katrina faced unimaginable challenges from a young age. Abuse at the hands of a family member led to a devastating cycle of addiction and prostitution that consumed her teenage years and extended into adulthood. For 22 years, Katrina struggled on the streets, battling addiction and ultimately contracting HIV.
But Katrina’s story didn’t end there. She found a lifeline at The Magdalene House, a program that provides a nurturing environment for women who have experienced violence, addiction, and exploitation. Surrounded by others facing similar challenges, Katrina began to rebuild her life. With the support and encouragement she found at Magdalene, she has now been clean from crack cocaine for over five years.
Katrina’s transformation didn’t stop at overcoming addiction. Today, she has a beautiful daughter and is married to the love of her life, Barry. As the National Sales Director for Thistle Farms, a social enterprise run by the women of Magdalene, Katrina now works to uplift other women who have faced lives of violence and addiction. Thistle Farms produces natural bath and body products, which are handcrafted by the women on staff. Each purchase directly benefits the women who made them, helping to break the cycle of exploitation and poverty.
Katrina’s remarkable journey from despair to hope is not just a story of survival—it’s a story of thriving. She now speaks life into other women, helping them find their own paths to healing and empowerment.
A Smile for Christmas
When Katrina came across the *Smile for Christmas* giveaway at Solace Oral Surgery, she knew this was the final piece in her transformational journey. Years of hardship had taken a toll on her body, including her teeth. The damage from her years of addiction had severely compromised her oral health, affecting her confidence and well-being.
Through the *Smile for Christmas* gift, Katrina was able to receive dental implants and undergo the All-on-4 procedure. This not only restored her oral health but also gave her the gift of a smile that reflected the radiant woman she had become inside. For Katrina, this new smile wasn’t just cosmetic—it was a symbol of the hope, love, and second chances that had shaped her journey.
The Power of a Smile
At Solace Oral Surgery, we believe in the profound impact that a healthy, confident smile can have on a person’s life. A smile isn’t just about appearance—it’s about how we feel about ourselves, how we engage with the world, and how we approach life’s challenges. For those like Katrina, who have faced unimaginable adversity, a new smile can represent a fresh start and a brighter future.
Our *Smile for Christmas* initiative allows us to use our expertise in dental implants and reconstructive surgery to give the gift of hope to those who need it most. The All-on-4 procedure, which involves placing four dental implants to support a full arch of teeth, provides a permanent, natural-looking solution for individuals with missing or damaged teeth. This procedure has changed the lives of many, restoring their ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
How You Can Apply
We invite those in need of a life-changing smile to share their stories with us for this year’s *Smile for Christmas* giveaway. If you or someone you know could benefit from this opportunity, we encourage you to submit your personal story, explaining how receiving a new smile could change your life. We’re looking for stories of resilience, hope, and the determination to overcome adversity.
Please send your stories to:
**Attn: Smile for Christmas**
1707 State St
Nashville, TN 37203
or Email: [email protected]
Our team carefully reviews each submission, and we select a recipient whose story embodies the spirit of healing and new beginnings. We want to hear about your journey—your challenges, your victories, and why this opportunity would make a difference in your life.
A Season of Renewal
The holiday season is a time for renewal, hope, and giving. At Solace Oral Surgery, we are honored to be able to give back to our community through the *Smile for Christmas* initiative. We believe that everyone deserves the chance to smile with confidence, and we’re proud to be part of a journey that transforms not just smiles, but lives.
Whether you’ve experienced a lifetime of challenges like Katrina, or you’re seeking the opportunity to embrace a new chapter in your life, we encourage you to share your story. Together, let’s make this a season of healing, hope, and of course, smiles.
*To learn more about the *Smile for Christmas* giveaway or to submit your story, please contact us at [email protected] or visit our office at 1707 State St, Nashville, TN 37203.
Eva Angelina Romero, Co-Owner/Operations – www.solaceoralsurgery.com – 615-320-1392
