Meet Nate, a college student who endured more than ten years of dental procedures to correct a misaligned jaw. Nate’s condition made it difficult to breathe through his nose and impossible for him to close his mouth so that his jaw was in a resting position. Prior to surgery, Nate had been experiencing pain in his jaw and, due to misalignment, his family and doctors worried about severe damage if he were to be hit in the jaw while playing sports.

Extensive surgery when Nate was twenty used donated human bone to fill the large gap created in his newly widened jaw. “I am so thankful for my gift.”

In addition to being able to close his mouth and breathe through his nose, Nate’s surgery has improved his performance in his church’s choir. Nate is interested in pursuing a career in dental or orthodontic care or medical research and looks forward to giving back.

“Tissue donation helps build community and we have a responsibility to our greater society. There is a long list of people who have benefited from the gifts of my donor. His or her legacy is far-reaching.”