A Letter From Our Founder: Remebering Rory Dunn

A pivotal moment in my life happened when I read a Seattle Times article about the incredible survival of Rory Dunn and the powerful advocacy of his mother, Cynthia Lefever.

There were several layers of connection for me.

First, as a mother of sons, I felt an intense emotional bond. This could have been my child—hanging on through the torturous journey of recovery, enduring the pain of life-altering injuries, and slowly adjusting to a new reality. Cynthia’s strength, love, and perseverance were deeply moving. Her advocacy for Rory wasn’t just about her son; it was a beacon for so many others.

Second, ever since 9/11, I had felt a strong sense of patriotism and a desire to serve my country in some way. While others joined the military, that path wasn’t possible for me. But when I read Rory’s story, I realized this was an opportunity—I could serve those who have served. As a dentist, I could support the families of injured veterans returning home. And so, I began offering free dental care to those caregivers.

Third, that article opened the door to a journey I never expected—into the veterans’ world. I was stunned to learn that most veterans don’t receive dental care through the VA. The more I learned, the more I began to grasp the deeper layers of these unseen challenges: the painful transition back to civilian life, the alienation, the struggles with education or employment, the emotional toll—depression, PTSD, suicide, divorce, and traumatic brain injuries. I realized how little I truly knew—and how much the rest of the country didn’t either.  I also came to understand that you don’t have to be a veteran to help, and sometimes it reflects more coming from non-veterans. Everyone can do something. When veterans feel supported by their communities, it makes a profound difference, and many veterans reported: “You don’t know how much this means to me—that strangers stepped up to help.”

Later, I had the pleasure of meeting Rory and Cynthia. Rory towered over me, quick to laugh and sharp with clever remarks. He carried a sweetness in his spirit and a wicked sense of humor. I saw his warmth, his intelligence, and also understood his bitterness toward the war and the overwhelming challenges he faced after his injury. Cynthia and Rory were pleased to hear that their story had inspired the beginning of Everyone for Veterans—a ripple effect that has reached countless veterans and their families across the country.

I only wish I had stayed more connected with Rory. I wish I could have reminded him of the lasting impact he made—not just on me, but on every veteran who received dental care through our program. He was the spark. So many are indebted to him, even if they never knew his name.
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Rory passed away peacefully on March 18th—taken far too soon. He will be deeply missed. But his legacy lives on, in every smile we help restore, in every life touched by compassion born from his story.

​~Dr. Theresa Cheng

Rory's Obituary