Help Cover Medical Costs for NYC Transwoman Attack Survivor

I'm a Jewish trans woman who's been attacked twice in one week in the subway in my hometown of New York City, likely because of who I am. My health insurance won't cover many of my medical and living expenses.

This is hard for me. I’m pretty self-sufficient and resilient, but I ask for your help.

I suffered a broken nose, my front teeth were smashed in, and I suffered a concussion, along with unexpected medical bills.

On Tuesday, February 4th, I was leaving a midtown subway station when an assailant slammed my head into the stairs ahead of me. From that injury, I will need a temporary bridge for all four front teeth and, eventually, a second surgery to install permanent caps and veneers.

Three days later, as I was returning to work on the subway, I was punched in my left temple and cheekbone and suffered the concussion. A witness flagged down some nearby police, who arrested my attacker.

These two violent attacks have left me physically, emotionally, and financially traumatized.

Here’s what I’m facing.

• A $10,000 dental surgery, with insurance covering only $3,000. An additional surgery to fix the damage done to my nose. Until the swelling goes down, the extent of the needed repair won’t be known.

• Unpaid time off. Like most of us, I have limited sick days and have already taken most of them. I need help covering grocery and other living costs as I recover from the surgeries and get healthy to return to work.

• Transportation to and from work. I need to avoid the subways for a while as I work through the effects of the attack and wish to use ride-share services.

• Help with dog walks. My dog, Oliver, will need to be walked daily for a few weeks when I cannot take him out. He’s kept me going, and I need to keep him walking.

I’m tough. And I’m rising. I love my newly adopted hometown but struggle to cover these unexpected expenses. I respectfully ask for whatever assistance you can provide.