Last month, we shared with you the tragic news that two gay men were attacked on a populated Washington, D.C. street known as U Street.
Now, we’re happy to share with you the story of one dentist’s effort to right a portion of the wrong done to one of those two men.
When we reported the story to you and shared a video of the attack, we also included the fact that the men sustained injuries such as a broken nose, broken bones, and a chipped tooth. Specifically, it was one of those men, Zach Link, who sustained the broken nose and teeth.
At first, Link's new appearance alarmed him. Thankfully, he was then contacted by Dr. Christopher Banks at Capital Cosmetic Dentistry, because the good man wanted to fix his teeth at no cost.
After meeting and being treated by Dr. Bank, Link made a post on Facebook to express how grateful he was to the man.
In the post, he said:
“All I did that night was cry about how my teeth had been broken. It has been a lot more difficult mentally to see and feel my damaged teeth than I wanted to admit. Dito was able to connect me with this outstanding man, Christopher Banks, who completely donated his time and talents to bring my smile back, even for continued follow ups if something happens to them down the road. So, I just want to say that I am forever grateful for him and for the care he gave me at Capital Cosmetic Dentistry.”
Then recently, according to ABC news’s Washington affiliate WJLA, Capital Cosmetic Dentistry released a statement about Dr. Banks and Mr. Link:
“While Dr Banks certainly did not render his services for the benefit of himself or CCD, we certainly appreciate the recognition.
When Dr Banks was contacted by Dito Sevilla regarding the hateful crime Zach Link suffered, his response was immediate: he wanted to help. Chris reached out to Zach and expressed that he “would love to help” and render assistance. As a dentist who prides himself on the art of his cosmetic dentistry AND as a member of the LGBTQ community, Dr Banks met with Zach and proceeded to restore his smile. Zach came in with remarkable and visible damage to several of his front teeth, the result of severe and aggressive punching and kicking to his face. Zach came into the office and after a few hours walked out of with a restored smile.
As a parting personal note, Dr Banks wants it to be known: “this community is beautiful in its resilience and desire to support each other. In a day and age wherein we shake our heads and proclaim hate and violence toward the LGBTQ is senseless and barbaric, we all know it still happens and all we can do is try to help each other pick up the pieces in the aftermath. Without knowing the depth, breadth and expense of Zach’s injuries, I reached out and offered full care because we are all members of a powerful loving LGBTQ community before anything else. It is through these acts of love in the face of hate that we will persist, thrive, and succeed in showing the world we want to be ‘one’.”
We're happy to hear this tragic event was made right, even if just a little.
