<div>I’ve gone back and forth about whether I want to share this process publicly, but I’m in a tough spot and could use your help.
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<div>I’m getting top surgery soon — something I’ve waited years for — but due to timing and financial circumstances outside of my control, I’m facing a gap in income and unexpected costs. I’m currently ineligible for paid time off at my work-from-home job, and I won’t be able to bartend during recovery. <strong>I’m asking for support to help cover:</strong>
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<li>The surgery
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<li>Post-op care and supplies
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<div><strong>Why I Need Help</strong>
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<div>To top it all off my insurance renewed a week before the consultation, which reset my deductible, meaning I’ll now owe a couple thousand (best case scenario will be $2,500 - worst case scenario is closer to $5,000–not the $400 I was originally expecting and planning for).
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<div>I’ve been working a temp position with the expectation that it would transition into a full-time role by now. That has been pushed back and might not come until Jan now due to funding cuts tied to Trump decisions that are affecting my org — meaning I’m still part-time, with no paid time off and very limited sick leave accrual.
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<div><strong>Transparency in this process </strong>
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<li>This surgery has been years in the making. I was on a waitlist for nearly a year and hadn’t heard anything in over 8 months — I had honestly assumed it would be another year before I’d even get it as I am moving out of state in Nov and was prepping for the idea it wouldn’t happen with this hospital.
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<li>Just one week after finalizing a Europe trip I’d planned and saved for over three years, I got a call that I was off the waitlist and scheduled.
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<li>The Europe trip itself was largely made possible by a grant from work a family member received, which allowed me to piggyback off their trip and hotel bookings at no additional cost to myself. The only major personal expense was my flight, which was non-refundable when I found out about the surgery. (I know I probably am over-explaining and don’t need to, but I would give a little side-eye to someone asking for money right after a big trip, so I wanted to offer transparency on why these funds weren't able to be moved to this surgery and why the trip was possible)
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<div>While I’m so grateful to finally have this surgery — I’m also overwhelmed by the financial burden as the timing of this surgery lined up horribly with all the previous prep I had done. I want to be able to heal without stress, without draining my savings or taking on more debt.
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<div>If you’re able to contribute, I’ll give you a big smooch next time I see you. Even $5 helps more than you know.
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<div>If not, please don’t feel pressured — seriously, get that iced coffee and take care of yourself.
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<div><em>Additional Notes</em>
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<li>Any supplies I buy that can be reused will be donated to someone else undergoing top surgery. If you or someone you know is preparing for surgery, reach out — I’d love to pay it forward.
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<li>Any unused funds will be donated to queer youth organizations (I will disclose this, but as I am asking for far less than the costs I am expected to endure, I am not sure this will happen).
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<div><em>If the goal isn’t met, that's okay — anything helps. &amp; feel free to share.</em>
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<div><strong>Thank you to everyone, especially my people in San Diego, who helped create a space where I felt comfortable making this decision for myself. I will have a full week off and nothing to do but recover so will send a personal thanks to anybody that donates.</strong>
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Support My Top-Surgery and Recovery Journey (Sep 22nd)

Support My Top-Surgery and Recovery Journey (Sep 22nd)

Still $1,739 to go. Help us build momentum.