Dear Friend,

If you’re reading this, it likely means you—or someone you care about—is walking through cancer treatment. First, I want to say: you are not alone. I see you. I honor your strength, and I want to share the reason why Smiles Through Cancer exists—because it was created for you.

This all started with a simple but powerful mission: to bring comfort, confidence, and care to those navigating cancer—one smile at a time. But behind that mission is a very human story.

Over the years, as a Registered Dental Hygienist, I’ve had patients go thru treatment and not know that chemo and radiation could affect something as personal and powerful as their mouth and their smile.

Mouth sores, dry mouth, painful gums, trouble eating or speaking—these weren’t just side effects. They were emotional obstacles that left people feeling discouraged, anxious, and sometimes even invisible.

So many times, I heard the same question:

“Why didn’t anyone tell me this could happen to my mouth?”

This is the question that changed everything for me.

I started Smiles Through Cancer to give people the support and answers they weren’t getting. Not with complicated jargon or clinical detachment—but with compassion, clarity, and hope. Because your smile is more than teeth and gums. It’s your identity. It’s how you show joy, strength, and resilience to the world. And no matter what you’re facing, you deserve to keep that part of yourself intact.

Personally for me, my dad inspired me to begin this journey as a certified oncology advocate. He had cancer twice and dealt with the mouth sores, thrush and dry mouth that so many experience with chemo and radiation. My friend Jenny, after her 1st chemo treatment texted me asking what could help with her mouth sores. These stories are my why for doing this. To help others going through the same thing.

So if you’re feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, or simply looking for help—please know you’re in the right place. Smiles Through Cancer was built to walk beside you. To offer tools, knowledge, encouragement, and maybe even a little relief when you need it most.

I believe with all my heart that even in the middle of cancer treatment, you can still feel seen. Still feel strong. Still feel like yourself.

And yes—you can still smile.

With care and hope,

Jessica Stupsky, RDH,BS

Founder, Smiles Through Cancer