How can I add a normal to a text mesh so that it lights correctly?

Hello. I'm using a text mesh to place text on a 3D object, but as you all know, the text mesh does not have any normals...

http://docs.unity3d.com/Documentation/Components/class-TextMesh.html

...so it does not light correctly. I've done a search and found many people having trouble with lighting 3D text mesh because of it doesn't have any normals, but I haven't found a solution to adding normals to a text mesh object, so that is my question.

How can I add a normal to a text mesh so that it lights correctly?

Thanks so much in advance for your wisdom!