It Takes a Village and a Generous Pediatric Dentist

Several weeks ago, Saint Anne parishioner and pediatric dentist Dr. Russell Pollina saw an update from the parish’s Migrant and Refugee Ministry and called the parish office to ask how he could help.

Staff quickly reached out to Steve Raseman, coordinator of the Migrant and Refugee Ministry. Raseman had recently heard from parish sponsorship mentors Nonie Brown and Patsy Thalheimer that the daughter of a family they accompany was experiencing a toothache.

Since both parents were at work, Brown brought the young girl to Dr. Pollina’s Mount Prospect office. She later reported that the visit was excellent and deeply appreciated by the family. Dr. Pollina and his dental assistant were both able to speak Spanish, which helped put the child at ease. The patient also received a fluoride treatment.

It turns out the cause of the pain was not a cavity, but a baby tooth that had broken and left a root behind. The family now needs to schedule an appointment for extraction. Thanks to Dr. Pollina and his team, both this visit and the upcoming procedure are being provided pro bono.

The Saint Anne Migrant and Refugee Ministry is deeply grateful for their professional skill, kindness, and generosity.