My name is August, and I’ll be turning 21 in April. I started this fundraiser to help me take an important step toward my future and being who I want to be—getting top surgery.

For a long time, I’ve been living in an environment where I haven’t been able to medically transition in the ways I’ve needed to. Being stuck in that situation has been incredibly draining, both emotionally and mentally. Top surgery is something I’ve been dreaming of for a while now, and it would mean the world to finally move forward and feel more comfortable in my own body.

On top of that, I’ve recently been dealing with the onset of chronic illnesses and new diagnoses that make it difficult—sometimes impossible—for me to work long hours. Because of this, saving for surgery has been much slower than I hoped. Right now I’m also trying to save enough to move out into a safer, more supportive environment before I can fully focus on surgery costs, which has added another obstacle.

Every donation, no matter the size, would help me get closer to both independence and the gender-affirming care I need. If you’re not able to donate, sharing this fundraiser with others would mean just as much and would help my story reach more people.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this and for any support you can give. It truly means more than I can express.