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23rd Annual Have A Heart Day
4 Area Dentist’s Serve Families In Need in the Northland
With over 140 families served, it’s done as a duty to help. Helping the families and the future of our community with dental care is something that has become near and dear to Dr. Robert G. Marx. Everyone knows it is important to take care of their teeth, but it is especially important in childhood. When life makes getting treatment difficult, the need doesn’t stop. That is why Dr. Marx began this event some 23 years ago.
Northland Dentist’s Robert G Marx and Douglas Arjes were joined by DeAun Regan of Regan Dental in Parkville and Dr. Laurinda Hlavacek of Shoal Creek Dental Care in Kansas City North to offer the 23rd Annual Have A Heart Day to the children from the Northland on Saturday the 19th of February. Dr. Marx’s first year for Have A Heart Day was in 1989 when he began with a vision of helping children in need and has fostered the growth of the day each year since. Dr. Regan & Dr. Hlavacek joined Dr. Marx this year to help meet the demand that that these economic times have created. This is a special day providing free cleanings, x-rays and exams for children who have been unable to receive dental care through no fault of their own. There was lots of fun entertainment provided for the children with KC Wolf of the Kansas City Chiefs, Pinky Lee the Clown, Maggie Moo the Cow and goody bags for all!
Dr. Marx explains, "I love my community and my city. I have lived here my whole life. I like looking into the future and in many ways I feel kids are it!" Dr. Marx added, "I am very grateful to Dr. Regan and her staff and Dr. Hlavacek and her staff for stepping up another notch and joining with us to provide this greatly needed service. I know it was an exciting day for them too and we look forward to a great future in Kansas City with this event."
Special guest attendance included Missouri State House Representative, Jerry Nolte, who spent time visiting with the children and families in attendance and remarked on the significance of caring for others in our community. Jerry Nolte presented Dr. Marx with a Resolution from the Missouri House of Representatives honoring Dr. Marx on his 23 years with this effort.
Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, Dental Supplies for the day were provided by Goetze Dental and each child received a backpack provided by AT&T filled with, toothpaste, a toothbrush provided by Butler and various other wonderful gift certificates &/or items provided by the following merchants; Air Zone, Family Video, Gladstone Bowl, Kansas City Chiefs, McDonalds/Wagy Management, Maggie Moo’s Ice Cream, Sam’s Club on North Oak. The parents each got a carnation provided by Gladstone Flowers for doing their part in bringing in their children. Office Depot provided printing of fliers that were distributed throughout the Northland. NBC Action News came out to do a live remote about the morning.
The North Kansas City, Liberty and Park Hill School Districts all participated once again and many of the local pre-schools and community programs were contacted as well. Contributions total tens of thousands of dollars each year in goods, promotion and services provided by Dr. Marx and supportive businesses and organizations for the event. "It’s not about the money, it’s about one’s personal duty to help and that’s what makes it special. The response is always incredible and the joy of that one day is priceless," says Dr. Marx. He adds, "I can’t cure cancer or make the world a safer place, but I can fix children’s teeth. I like doing that a lot. The children we see are all great kids and they deserve our support and I’m glad I can help out."
Dr. Marx explains, "I think dentistry is very important to our overall health & happiness. Each experience at a dental office can affect one’s whole view on dentistry over a lifetime. We started this program so we can have an impact on our kids and ultimately our city."
When asked what Have A Heart Day means to him, he replied "You hear a lot of discussion sometimes from people wanting to do something and we actually do something to make an impact to change lives." Dr. Marx adds " It takes a real effort to go from just an idea and bring it into action and I am grateful for the many volunteers and organizations who give us direct support year after year in making this happen."
February is designated as the National Children’s Dental Health Month. Have A Heart Day was named because it connected with the Valentine’s Day theme and Dental Health month. Dr. Marx and his office is continually involved in many community programs including speaking with children about dental care and promoting successful programs for a drug free world, youth for human rights and literacy. As a Dentist for over 30 years at the same location right here in Gladstone, Dr. Marx has grown his practice to include a staff of 25 and expanded several times over the years. "The more we grow, the more responsibility we have to help our community," says Dr. Marx.
"The families are always so appreciative, and the kids are always terrific! The sense of
satisfaction I get is difficult to express. But it is wonderful! It is very fulfilling. My staff looks forward to Have A Heart Day every year. We have as much fun as the children," says Dr. Marx.
This year we were able to help several families that have lost their jobs due to the economy therefore losing their insurance as well. These parents want only the best for their children but unfortunately something has to slide. These parents all showed much gratitude for this service as they were able to get their children the dental care they needed. A mother of 6, with no way of getting preventative dental care for her children was very happy to be able to bring her children on this day. A family with mom and dad both out of work for over a year was able to receive dental care for their child that has dental problems as well as serious health issues. These are just a few of the stories that were told on Saturday.
There were several children that were seen that had dire immediate dental problems that Dr. Marx will bring back for the much-needed treatment in the coming days and weeks. Dr. Marx has also enlisted the help of his fellow dental professionals that will be helping some of the children as well.
Since that first year in 1989, the office has seen well over 2,200 children on Have A Heart Day. Today, the need has never been greater. More and more families need help. It is the goal of the office that other dentists will join in the future, so that maybe someday, 2,000 children could be seen each year.
Dr. Marx continues, "That is why I want other dentists to join with us in meeting this challenge. We already receive an extraordinary level of cooperation and assistance but the level of need keeps rising. Our volunteers and donors make all the difference. We are truly fortunate to have so many friends, but we need more health-care providers to join with us."
