Surgery/hormones fund
Donation protected
Hello Tumblr followers and friends.
First of all, thank you for all of the amazing connections I've made in the past couple of years. Without Tumblr, I have no doubt that my life would be anything like it is today. Without meeting, learning about and talking with so many of you, I would not have had the strength and support needed to take the steps necessary to transition and start living my life as it was meant to be lived. My life has been more positive in the past two years than ever before. And I am so very lucky to be able to say that.
I've also had the chance to gain a bit of a following on Tumblr, something I never expected, and something that is incredibly gratifying for me, but also enormously therapeutic.
For the love and encouragement, the attention and compliments and all the kind words, I am forever grateful. I can never thank you enough. You all know who you are, and I am in your debt.
This year, 2014, I am preparing to take a huge step in having genital reconstruction surgery. (Yes, this is "the surgery" that you're thinking of.) I simply cannot reconcile my life with a part that doesn't belong and should never have been there to begin with. The thoughts it conjures are uncomfortable at best and very dark at worst. In June, I will be going to the Philadelphia Trans-Health Conference, where I will be speaking with several surgeons about getting started with my plans. As a first step, I have switched to an insurance plan that ostensibly covers this surgery.
There are costs beyond the surgery itself, however. Most concerning are the expenses associated with traveling across the country to meet with the surgeon, and for the surgery itself. Other costs could include the hospital stay, preparations such as any electrolysis needed in the surgery area, return travel for follow-up care, and more.
I already spend an exorbitant amount to keep my transition going smoothly. I have been a Type I diabetic for 17 years, and simply staying alive can be financially draining. I work more than full-time, and last year, I made $36,000. Of that, I spent more than $10,000 on medical care alone. I sometimes spend more than $300 a month on prescriptions. Like everyone else, I have rent and other living costs. I have nearly $300 a month in student loan bills. And I have been forced to pay bills late, or to skip medicine that isn't absolutely essential to my existence "” including at least one type of insulin. I'm taking steps to mitigate the costs, including plans to move into a smaller living space this summer that will cost me less.
I have been really lucky so far, and I am SO close to reaching this most important step in my life. This will be the most life-changing part of what already is most life-changing experience.
I am asking that if you enjoy my blog, if you like and reblog the pictures of my own life that I share and want me to continue doing so, if you know my story, please consider donating even as little as $5 toward my fund. If you are someone who can afford more to help another person achieve their self-actualisation, please consider donating whatever amount you're comfortable giving. If you are comfortable, please send me your contact information after you give so that I can thank you personally, whether by mail, e-mail or even phone.
And because paying it forward is absolutely central to a kind gesture such as this, I will give at least 10% of what is raised to other trans friends who need the help as much as or more than I do. If my goal is raised, I will double it to 20%. That's $1,200 that I will give to the Tumblr friends in my life who have shown me love and kindness and support in these past couple of years.
If you have an idea for an alternative arrangement, or if there is something I can do for you in return, please get in contact with me on Tumblr. I am open to any and all suggestions.
Thank you for reading this, and please know that your donation is quite literally helping to save a life. I've come a long way, and I'm proud of myself and thankful for the kindness shown to me. Surgery isn't necessarily the end of transition, but it is the major hurdle for most people who want it, including me.
Thank you so much for your support and your love.
Sincerely,
Adelie
First of all, thank you for all of the amazing connections I've made in the past couple of years. Without Tumblr, I have no doubt that my life would be anything like it is today. Without meeting, learning about and talking with so many of you, I would not have had the strength and support needed to take the steps necessary to transition and start living my life as it was meant to be lived. My life has been more positive in the past two years than ever before. And I am so very lucky to be able to say that.
I've also had the chance to gain a bit of a following on Tumblr, something I never expected, and something that is incredibly gratifying for me, but also enormously therapeutic.
For the love and encouragement, the attention and compliments and all the kind words, I am forever grateful. I can never thank you enough. You all know who you are, and I am in your debt.
This year, 2014, I am preparing to take a huge step in having genital reconstruction surgery. (Yes, this is "the surgery" that you're thinking of.) I simply cannot reconcile my life with a part that doesn't belong and should never have been there to begin with. The thoughts it conjures are uncomfortable at best and very dark at worst. In June, I will be going to the Philadelphia Trans-Health Conference, where I will be speaking with several surgeons about getting started with my plans. As a first step, I have switched to an insurance plan that ostensibly covers this surgery.
There are costs beyond the surgery itself, however. Most concerning are the expenses associated with traveling across the country to meet with the surgeon, and for the surgery itself. Other costs could include the hospital stay, preparations such as any electrolysis needed in the surgery area, return travel for follow-up care, and more.
I already spend an exorbitant amount to keep my transition going smoothly. I have been a Type I diabetic for 17 years, and simply staying alive can be financially draining. I work more than full-time, and last year, I made $36,000. Of that, I spent more than $10,000 on medical care alone. I sometimes spend more than $300 a month on prescriptions. Like everyone else, I have rent and other living costs. I have nearly $300 a month in student loan bills. And I have been forced to pay bills late, or to skip medicine that isn't absolutely essential to my existence "” including at least one type of insulin. I'm taking steps to mitigate the costs, including plans to move into a smaller living space this summer that will cost me less.
I have been really lucky so far, and I am SO close to reaching this most important step in my life. This will be the most life-changing part of what already is most life-changing experience.
I am asking that if you enjoy my blog, if you like and reblog the pictures of my own life that I share and want me to continue doing so, if you know my story, please consider donating even as little as $5 toward my fund. If you are someone who can afford more to help another person achieve their self-actualisation, please consider donating whatever amount you're comfortable giving. If you are comfortable, please send me your contact information after you give so that I can thank you personally, whether by mail, e-mail or even phone.
And because paying it forward is absolutely central to a kind gesture such as this, I will give at least 10% of what is raised to other trans friends who need the help as much as or more than I do. If my goal is raised, I will double it to 20%. That's $1,200 that I will give to the Tumblr friends in my life who have shown me love and kindness and support in these past couple of years.
If you have an idea for an alternative arrangement, or if there is something I can do for you in return, please get in contact with me on Tumblr. I am open to any and all suggestions.
Thank you for reading this, and please know that your donation is quite literally helping to save a life. I've come a long way, and I'm proud of myself and thankful for the kindness shown to me. Surgery isn't necessarily the end of transition, but it is the major hurdle for most people who want it, including me.
Thank you so much for your support and your love.
Sincerely,
Adelie
Organizer
Adelie Freyja Annabel Bergstrom
Organizer
Duluth, MN
