OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — Ava Croom says she feels uncomfortable with her smile, and has been bullied at school because of her crooked teeth.
“I guess at school, not many of my friends teeth are as horrible as mine," the 12-year-old said.
Braces Omaha and Dr. Clarke Stevens want to help her with that.
On Wednesday morning her smile was on full display when she learned that she was selected to be the ambassador of the Smiling with the Stars program, a new complimentary braces program.
“They thought, you know, it was just another step in the process," said Luke Eggebraaten, director of marketing and new patients for Braces Omaha. "But little did she know that we’re all here ready to surprise her and get started. When I saw the emotions that came over her and her mom, it just made us feel that impact as well of what we’re doing and how its just such a great program.”
Ava’s mom, Missy, says she was thankful her daughter was chosen to be an ambassador for the program.
“She’s a beautiful person, inside and out, and this will just enhance it even more," Missy said. "So I’m very excited for her.”
Missy says she is also thankful that the financial burden will be gone for the treatment, which usually range around $4,000- $6,000.
“I teach, so doing summer school here and there to try to save some money for it, so this takes a huge burden off of that.”
Ava’s treatment will be documented at Braces Omaha to share with other children and families who may be looking for orthodontic services and spread the word about the Smiling with the Stars program.
In her letter to apply for the program, Ava said she would be happy with whoever Braces Omaha picked to give a new smile to. They say she was the perfect person.
