Nicole Kowalski was only 25 when what seemed like a stubborn toothache began changing her life.

In 2017, she developed deep pain around a tooth. At first, there was no obvious explanation. Her initial dental X-ray reportedly didn’t reveal anything concerning, and doctors considered more common possibilities, including a sinus infection.

But the pain didn’t go away.

Instead, it gradually became worse, spreading through her jaw and face until Nicole was struggling to sleep.

Then another dental X-ray revealed something that couldn’t be ignored.

Doctors found significant bone loss around her upper jaw, along with a mᴀss near one of her molars. 💔

A biopsy initially suggested that the tumor was benign.

Nicole underwent surgery regardless, losing four teeth and part of her palate.

Then came the phone call that changed the meaning of everything.

Further examination showed that the tumor was actually salivary gland cancer.

Radiation treatment followed.

But her journey was far from over.

The cancer eventually returned, requiring another major operation. This time, seven more teeth were removed along with portions of her hard and soft palate.

Nicole needed an obturator — a specialized prosthetic device that helped her eat, drink and speak.

For a while, there was finally a reason to hope.

Nicole reached two years without evidence of the disease.

She completed her master’s degree, began rebuilding her life and fell in love with Eric Kleinsᴀsser. ❤️

She had every reason to believe that perhaps the hardest part of her journey was behind her.

Then, in 2022, Nicole noticed something different.

An indentation had begun developing on the right side of her face.

The cancer had returned.

This time, treatment required an even more extensive operation, including removal of part of the outside of her face and reconstruction using tissue from her leg.

For many people, facing such profound physical changes might have meant withdrawing from the world.

Nicole chose the opposite.

Through Nicole’s Crooked Smile, she openly documented her experience with head and neck cancer — including treatment, pain, facial changes and the emotional challenges that came with losing parts of the appearance she had known for her entire life.

More importantly, she used her experience to connect with other patients.

She wanted people facing similar struggles to know they weren’t alone.

Nicole died on January 23, 2025, at just 33 years old. 🕊️

Her story is heartbreaking, but it is also a reminder of why persistent symptoms deserve appropriate medical attention.

A symptom that doesn’t improve shouldn’t simply be ignored, especially when pain continues or changes over time.