 August 12, 2018, Lawrence Journal World The Douglas County Dental Clinic takes dental services directly to kids in need in more than 50 schools in seven Kansas counties, according to a news release from the organization. That number will likely increase this year.
“Claire believed that quality health and dental care should be available to all,” her mother Shannon VanLandingham, of Lawrence, said in a news release. “Granting funds to purchase the Friendly Smiles van is the perfect way to kick off this new project and to carry on Claire’s legacy.”  Lt. Dr. Claire Elizabeth VanLandingham Julie Branstrom, executive director of DCDC, said in the news release that some of the kids the program serves have gone without dental care for years. Taking care straight to the kids at school eliminates the hassle of parents missing work and kids missing so much class time for appointments. “Some of them have been suffering with dental pain which has caused them to have difficulty eating, concentrating in school and has even made some self-conscious of their smile,” Branstrom said in the release. Ask your child’s school nurse, call DCDC at 785-312-7770 ext. 206 or email [email protected] to find out about availability of services. For more information about Claire and the new fund in her memory, visit bemorelikeclaire.org. My kind-hearted, smart daughter shared this with me a couple of years ago. May it be so.-Shannon VanLandingham
May God bless you with discomfort, At easy answers, half-truths, And superficial relationships So that you may live Deep within your heart. May God bless you with anger At injustice, oppression, And exploitation of people, So that you may work for Justice, freedom and peace. May God bless you with tears, To shed for those who suffer pain, Rejection, hunger and war, So that you may reach out your hand To comfort them and To turn their pain to joy. And may God bless you With enough foolishness To believe that you can Make a difference in the world, So that you can do What others claim cannot be done To bring justice and kindness To all our children and the poor. Amen -Franciscan Blessing |
