Benjamin's Top Surgery

I'm Benjamin, and my goals include changing the world and petting as many dogs as possible. I'm an avid Disney fan, rabid chocolate eater, and aspiring flannel-wearing preschool teacher. I'm a Gemini, a redhead, and I get frustrated when I step on leaves in the fall and they don't crunch. I also happen to be transgender.
Being trans* doesn't change anything I said before because I'm still just me! But it does make life a little bit more complicated. 

I've been diagnosed with pretty severe gender dysphoria and depression because up until this point I have been unable to fathom the possibility of having top surgery (a double mastectomy). However, I just had a consultation with Dr. James Chappell who has agreed to do my surgery! If I can raise the money in time, I will be able to have surgery over winter break and be able to recover at home with my family. In addition, he has given me a price cut and I now only need $8,000.

My insurance will not cover any portion of this process. I am funding my own hormone therapy and the medical care/testing to keep up with it, taking care of myself at school, and working towards a car and eventually a place of of my own so that I can be fully independent. I work three jobs, help out however I can back home, am a full-time student taking 18 credits, and play in the University percussion ensemble. I know that I will never be able to fund my own surgery, so this is where I ask you beautiful people for whatever you are able to put towards my future flat chest! I hate asking for this money, and one day I hope I am able to give every penny back.

See the "reward levels" below to see what small things I have to offer for each donation amount. Any amount is amazing! YOU are amazing! Thank you so much for reading my story.