As many of you know, my daughter, Emma, was assigned male at birth and lived as a boy until she was 21. She came to me five years ago, revealing that she was transgender and needed to live her life as her true self. Her road has been fraught with substance addiction and rehab. She has fought to overcome these challenges and has her surgery scheduled, which will start her life truly as a woman.

Her surgery is in April of 2017 and will be in San Francisco, California where she will have to remain for two weeks post-surgery. The surgery is covered by my insurance, which is an amazing blessing. However, our travel, lodging and food will be about $5,000, which floored me. I was so caught up with just getting the surgery scheduled that I didn’t anticipate how expensive the travel would be.

I am asking for your help so that Brian and I can be there to support Emma and care for her after surgery. Our finances have been tight for so long and things are looking up now, but we weren’t prepared for how expensive this would be. While the surgery isn't until next April, we are asking for your donations now so we can book flights and make reservations. It means the world to us to be able to walk this journey with her. Donations of any amount are greatly appreciated.