Dental News - Dr. Leo offers gift of a smile

Dental Tribune USA

Mon. 30 June 2014

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TUCSON, Ariz., USA: Leo Toureno, DDS, DHSc, known by most as “Dr. Leo,” founded his Smile for a Lifetime chapter to create self-confidence, inspire hope and change the lives of children in a dramatic way through the gift of a smile. Beginning this year, the Greater Tucson Smile for a Lifetime is awarding six scholarships for free orthodontic treatment to individuals 10-18 years old who would otherwise not be able to afford it.

Valeria Chavez was recently selected by the Greater Tucson Smile for a Lifetime Board of Directors to be their first scholarship recipient. Selection is based on need, letters of recommendation and motivation of the scholar.

“Valeria is a sweet girl who would not show her teeth when asked to smile. She is highly motivated and has great aspirations to help other people and one day hopes to be a doctor,” Toureno says.

Valeria says, “My life has been full of struggles, but that hasn’t stopped me from doing good and moving forward, however the one thing that has held me back is my insecurity and my low self-esteem. Having braces will help me overcome those insecurities that I’ve been facing throughout my life.”

Toureno started his S4L chapter in hopes of touching the lives of deserving children and teens in Tucson through the gift of a smile. Having grown up in a third world country, he has had plenty of opportunities to see first hand the poverty many children face everyday.

“Today, I am blessed with a wonderful family and a great place to live,” Toureno says. “However, there are still many children and teens that need help here. I keep thinking, if only these deserving individuals could increase their self-confidence and outlook in life, they could make their world better and our community brighter. Please join me in making Tucson and Southern Arizona more beautiful with more smiling faces.”

(Source: Smile for a Lifetime)

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