Hello friends,

I am humbly asking for help raising funds to cover some costs related to a scheduled surgery this coming October. I have recently changed careers, and although my state insurance (for now) covers one of the procedures I have scheduled this Fall, I am unable to take paid FMLA leave to cover my necessary recovery period from late October to mid November, which is potentially a very serious risk to my financial well-being and that of my partner. Thankfully she is able to use her employer's caretaking leave policy to cover her wages fully while I am on recovery, but this would still put us considerably short of our monthly rent, bills and financial obligations.

In addition to this, I am hoping to have corrective medical tattooing done as part of post-surgical treatment from my previous surgery. This would help correct the grafts that did not heal properly on my chest, which has had an impact on my overall satisfaction with the procedure I got in summer of 2022. The price quotes from a medical tattooist in Pittsburgh are around $800, but are an out-of-pocket expense. 

I am setting my goal at $3000, which I believe will cover approximately three weeks of lost wages after taxes, incidental expenses for supplies during that time, and the quoted $800 out-of-pocket expense for medical tattooing. 

I understand that times are hard right now for so many people and that I would appreciate it so much if anyone is able to help me meet my goal through either financial contributions or sharing this fundraiser among friends. <3

Thank you!

Jacques