John’s Path to Healing

When John walked through the doors of Center of Hope last September, he wasn’t just looking for help with a utility bill or groceries—he was fighting for his life. At 55, John was battling stage four renal failure, a disease that forced him into dialysis three times a week in Fort Worth. The treatments made it difficult for him to work, and on top of that, he was in constant pain from multiple abscessed teeth.

The infections in his mouth were unbearable and became a roadblock to something far more critical. John needed a kidney transplant, but he couldn’t be placed on the list until the infections were resolved. But hope arrived in the form of a team of compassionate professionals and community support. Center of Hope connected him to our medical clinic for antibiotics then to Kingdom Smiles, Center of Hope’s dental care program.

His situation required more than just basic treatment—it needed a coordinated, urgent response. A consultation with Facial and Oral Surgeon Associates (FOSA), a Center of Hope dental partner, confirmed that the only way to clear the infection was to remove all of John’s teeth and fit him for dentures. His fragile health meant the surgery had to be carefully scheduled around his dialysis, and it required a surgical setting at JPS due to the severity of his condition. The teams at FOSA in Weatherford and Fort Worth worked together, overcoming every scheduling hurdle to ensure John received the care he needed. In December, John underwent surgery.

Now, John is free from infection. He is finally healthy enough to be placed on the transplant list and one step closer to the new kidney that could save his life. His journey is a powerful testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together to lift someone up in their darkest hour.

Through collaboration with dedicated medical professionals and community organizations, Center of Hope is not only changing lives—but saving them.