Dani's facial feminzation surgery

I was born in Iraq to Assyrian parents during the Kuwait war. My family fled to Turkey where we were in a refugee camp for a year and a half before eventually being relocated by the United Nations  to Sweden when I turned three years old. My life finally felt normal. Eventually, though, about a year later in kindergarten, I knew that I wasn't "normal". I felt that the gender assigned to me at birth wasn't matching with my thoughts, feelings, senses... and so much more. I was never a boy.  I was a girl inside. That truth stayed with me throughout my teenage years; I was bullied and had many suicidal thoughts but yet, I saw some sort of light at the end of a disparaging tunnel. This fundraiser will help me get closer to that light.


So now you all are probably thinking "what stuff is she having done to her face?" 
Let me tell you why this group of small adjustment surgeries under the Facial Feminization umbrella  would mean the world, if not more, to me:



-Brow Bone Bossing: I want to get rid of that strong "masculine" bone, I have above my eyes and nose. It will soften my forehead and give that feminine look.

-Rhinoplasty:  I have struggled with my nose my entire life. Having the big bump removed and made into a smaller shape will relieve so much of my dysphoria. I get clocked a lot in public because of my nose and it's something I wanted to have done, even before transitioning. 

-Buccal Fat Pad Removal:  This will just make my cheeks and lips fit more with the rest and give my face a more feminine look that I aspire to have. 

- Tracheal Shave: Shaving my Adams apple. 



It is easy to judge these procedures and maybe you're thinking, " Daniella, don't, you look beautiful the way you are..", which I hear a lot of times from friends and family, but it just doesn't make sense in my head and soul, especially after having been on hormone replacement therapy for over 8 months now already. My mind is not matching with what I am seeing right now in the mirror. I want this done so badly, and it's a procedure that is very important for me. 


I will be doing this surgery with Dr. Peter Raphael in Texas, an experienced and dedicated surgeon well versed in this particular surgery that changes the quality of transgender women's lives exponentially .I am trying to raise money for the surgery of course, but also the travel expenses, the lodging, and also funds I'll need while I'm taking off about a month of work to heal. 


The total cost will be around $16, 000 for the surgery not having the other expenses included. 


Whatever you can or want to donate would mean a lot and I would be so, so grateful. I am also so thankful to everyone sharing this campaign and will be sure to provide you all with updates as I embark on the journey to become the woman I so myself being since I was little.