Support Hunter's Top Surgery Recovery

Hello to my friends and community,

My name is Hunter, and I am a disabled trans man and outdoor educator. After years of patiently waiting, I have finally been given the insurance authorization for my top surgery. This will be a life-changing procedure that will serve as a major step for me existing as my happiest and most authentic self.

I suffer from POTS and EDS, both of which are worsened by me wearing a binder—which I have worn almost every day for the past seven years. As a result, I experience severe back pain, shortness of breath, and heart palpitations. In addition, I work a very physically active job as an environmental educator in Richmond Public Schools. Wearing a binder at work causes me debilitating pain that makes living my life much more difficult. Once I am able to receive this surgery, so many of these problems will be alleviated.

I am asking for support to cover the cost of some of my surgery, as well as the time I will have to take off work to recover. While insurance is thankfully covering the bulk of my surgery costs, I still owe $2,000 after the fact. While I am thankful that I work in a supportive environment, I will not be paid for my time off and will also need assistance in getting my bills paid until I can return to my job.

This is a surgery that I feel like I have been waiting my entire life for, so truly any amount donated helps. Anything past my initial goal will go directly into my support costs after my surgery is paid for, such as rent, utilities, and food. I am so thankful to be in a position where I feel like I can reach out to my community for support, and I thank you for the time you've taken to read and share this.