Hey everyone,

 Thank you so much for taking time to look at my fundraising page. Three years ago, I began my medical transition (female-to-male) with Hormone Replacement Therapy and started to learn what it means to be one with my body and mind. For the past two years I have felt a deep yearning for top surgery but I ‘accepted’ that it was too big of a dream for me because of the surgery’s high cost. However, the closer I get to identifying with my reflection in the mirror, the more I realize the fundamental peace and happiness I would attain with the surgery. Through these trying times, I have been part of and witnessed what is possible with the support of our community. It has taken me a long time to get here, but I am ready to make myself and my well-being a priority, and I am hoping you can help get me there. I am asking for $15,000 to fund my gender affirming top surgery.

 

I have done extensive research on surgeons in and out of California and the United States over the past few years. Dr. Charles Garramone, based in Florida, is the best there is. He specializes and solely works on gender-affirming top surgery. Having Dr. Charles Garramone perform my surgery would actualize my dream. 

 

How the funds will be used:

The majority of the funds will go directly to the cost of the surgery, hospital stay, and anesthesia costs. The remainder of the funds will pay for my travel and stay in Florida. I will need to stay in Florida for a minimum of seven days for the surgery and final post-op consultation. Any additional funds will help support for my recovery time of at least 4-6 weeks when I will need to take time off work.

 

This is just one step in a continued, long journey - a journey that has often felt overwhelming and lonely. In my daily life, I avoid my reflection on building windows, hope others don't notice my shirts' tightness, and feel frustration whenever participating in exercise activities. It is a struggle, emotionally and physically, to continue life ignoring an entire area of my body. Today, I am choosing to put my fears and pride aside to ask for your help which is not easy for me. With your support, and knowing I am not doing it alone, my top surgery journey no longer feels as overwhelming or impossible. 

 

I feel convinced that I can make this impossible dream a reality with all your help. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for taking your time to read this, for taking in my vulnerability, and for any donation or shares you might be capable of during these times. Most of all, thank you for being a part of my journey.

 

-Alex De La Riva

Venmo:
@Alex-DeLaRiva-1