In 2015 I was diagnosed with POTS, or Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, which is an autoimmune disease affecting the heart, adrenal glands, brain, and kidneys. While I gradually became increasingly chronically ill I also began a gender transition. In order to fund the physical aspect of my transition I began a career in SW as I wasn’t able to rely on insurance to finance hormone replacement therapy or gender affirming surgeries. In 2018 I had saved up enough to have a breast augmentation and had textured silicone implants put in. This relieved a lot of dysphoria for me and I was so excited and grateful to have the surgery. About two years later these implants were recalled for causing breast cancer. I’ve kept a watchful eye on how my body has reacted to them over the years and my autoimmune disorder has increasingly become worse with time. This is actually a common phenomenon among women who get silicone breast implants and is called “breast implant illness.” I’ve watched my hair fall out, my memory worsen, my stamina and energy deplete, and my concentration become sluggish. I was also diagnosed recently with Sjörgen’s Syndrome, another autoimmune disorder that is usually comorbid with Lupus, a disease for which I’ve not been tested (navigating the medicine industrial complex as a chronically ill person has been difficult to say the least) but carry many of the symptoms. As a transgender woman it has been a difficult decision mentally, emotionally, physically and financially to have my breast implants I worked so hard for removed for my health.

I’ve chosen two surgeons who specialize in in breast reconstruction to have an explant surgery under local anesthesia and a fat transfer to my breasts to quell the dysphoria that will inevitably come with having my implants removed. I believe a fat transfer will be a much better option for my health because it uses my own fat cells to augment my breasts. These surgeries require a minimum of three months healing time in between procedures and both surgeons operate in different parts of the country. I’m raising funds to help with surgery costs, lodging and travel to and from Los Angeles and Raleigh, North Carolina, and other miscellaneous costs I’ll accrue during healing.

This has been an interesting journey. At times, quite depressing. Most recently I’ve had to rehome my 12 week old puppy Charlie, as I no longer have the physical means to take care of him. This really broke my heart. I recognize at this time that I need to focus on my health and getting better before I can enjoy things again or travel or get out of SW permanently. I’m hoping these surgeries will provide some hope for the future and help me feel better and like myself again.

If you’re unable to donate, please share this campaign widely and regularly. It would mean so much to me. Thank you for taking the time out of your day to read this ♥️Corinne