Help E.J. fund Top Surgery
Donation protected
Help me say good bye to my boobs!
I learned about top surgery before I even realized I was trans. I was talking to Emily about how much I hated my chest and she said "you know you don't HAVE to have your boobs, right? You can get them removed and its like, not a big deal"
When I say my mind was BLOWN...
I was very uncomfortable and apprehensive to consider top surgery for myself at first because:
1. If I didn't want my boobs, what did that mean about my gender?
2. If I didn't have to be the gender I was assigned at birth.... what did that mean about who I am?
and finally, after I considered both of those things:
3. I am a guy, so when the heck can I get this surgery? (followed by a deluge of tears)
It is important to note that even before I had the understanding and vocabulary to know that I am a FTM transman I've always had dysphoria surrounding my chest. I've unknowingly slumped my shoulders to hide my chest, worn looser clothing to be more comfortable, and have never worn bathing suits. I am, and always have been, a swim-trunks-and-athletic-shirt-while-swimming kinda guy.
My dysphoria around my chest has only grown the more I've realized who I am, and is now at the point where I often feel uncomfortable in my body and bind my chest daily. Binding in the short term is fine, but over long periods of time can be damaging to my back, ribs, and chest.
My need for this surgery feels urgent, which is why I am asking for help.
What is Top Surgery?:
By now you've probably gathered that Top Surgery is a Gender Affirming procedure for transmen and non-binary folx that creates a masculine chest. It's a breast removal (mastectomy) and male contouring of the chest.
Recovery:
I have chosen an (awesome) surgeon that I have to travel 4 hours for, so even though this surgery is out-patient, I have to stay in Saint Louis for a few days to heal before I can return home. In total, recovering from this procedure takes a few months of limited mobility and lift restrictions.
The Break Down:
The surgeons & other mandatory fees: $10,400
Travel & Lodging: $700
Post Op Medication & Supplies: $500
How You Can Help:
To help me become more of who I feel I am inside, I need your help.
As a small business owner, affordable health insurance (that actually covers anything) is still non-existent. In addition to that, most insurance companies still see this gender affirming surgery as being elective, and therefore do not cover it. This means that the entirety of the cost falls on me, which is terrifying!
I hate asking for help, but this is the only way for me to be able to afford this procedure, which will improve my quality of life greatly. The idea of being able to wear a shirt and not feel uncomfortable in it is the MOST exciting thing for me.
My goal is to have all the funds collected by mid 2021 so that I can have this surgery ASAP.
Thank you for taking the time to read about me and your support. This dream couldn't become a reality without you.
-Emmett Jasper (E.J.)
I learned about top surgery before I even realized I was trans. I was talking to Emily about how much I hated my chest and she said "you know you don't HAVE to have your boobs, right? You can get them removed and its like, not a big deal"
When I say my mind was BLOWN...
I was very uncomfortable and apprehensive to consider top surgery for myself at first because:
1. If I didn't want my boobs, what did that mean about my gender?
2. If I didn't have to be the gender I was assigned at birth.... what did that mean about who I am?
and finally, after I considered both of those things:
3. I am a guy, so when the heck can I get this surgery? (followed by a deluge of tears)
It is important to note that even before I had the understanding and vocabulary to know that I am a FTM transman I've always had dysphoria surrounding my chest. I've unknowingly slumped my shoulders to hide my chest, worn looser clothing to be more comfortable, and have never worn bathing suits. I am, and always have been, a swim-trunks-and-athletic-shirt-while-swimming kinda guy.
My dysphoria around my chest has only grown the more I've realized who I am, and is now at the point where I often feel uncomfortable in my body and bind my chest daily. Binding in the short term is fine, but over long periods of time can be damaging to my back, ribs, and chest.
My need for this surgery feels urgent, which is why I am asking for help.
What is Top Surgery?:
By now you've probably gathered that Top Surgery is a Gender Affirming procedure for transmen and non-binary folx that creates a masculine chest. It's a breast removal (mastectomy) and male contouring of the chest.
Recovery:
I have chosen an (awesome) surgeon that I have to travel 4 hours for, so even though this surgery is out-patient, I have to stay in Saint Louis for a few days to heal before I can return home. In total, recovering from this procedure takes a few months of limited mobility and lift restrictions.
The Break Down:
The surgeons & other mandatory fees: $10,400
Travel & Lodging: $700
Post Op Medication & Supplies: $500
How You Can Help:
To help me become more of who I feel I am inside, I need your help.
As a small business owner, affordable health insurance (that actually covers anything) is still non-existent. In addition to that, most insurance companies still see this gender affirming surgery as being elective, and therefore do not cover it. This means that the entirety of the cost falls on me, which is terrifying!
I hate asking for help, but this is the only way for me to be able to afford this procedure, which will improve my quality of life greatly. The idea of being able to wear a shirt and not feel uncomfortable in it is the MOST exciting thing for me.
My goal is to have all the funds collected by mid 2021 so that I can have this surgery ASAP.
Thank you for taking the time to read about me and your support. This dream couldn't become a reality without you.
-Emmett Jasper (E.J.)
Organizer
EJ Wood
Organizer
Kansas City, MO
