I have known since I was five years old that I am a girl, but growing up, my family didn’t have the resources or understanding to support my transition. I spent years masking who I was, feeling out of place and often bullied for not fitting in. As an adult, I struggled in relationships, unable to truly be myself. At 47, my partner and I both realized we were transgender, and for the past three years, I’ve been living authentically and taking hormones. I finally feel mostly comfortable in my own skin, and the difference is clear to everyone around me.

Recently, political actions led to my original surgery date being canceled just a week before it was scheduled, and I was forced to retire after 23 years of service. My health insurance (tricare) is now prohibited from covering gender-affirming care, making this next step—bottom surgery—financially out of reach. While I was able to help my husband get his top surgery, I now fear there’s little pathway for me. The cost is overwhelming, and as I get older, my options become more limited.

This surgery is the final step for me to be who I am, totally and completely. The joy of being able to look down and see the right anatomy, to wear the clothes I’ve always wanted without pain or hiding, and to live authentically as a woman is my dream. I want to experience life as myself, fully and without compromise.

I focus on helping everyone I can, especially LGBTQIA+ people. For the last 13 years I've been Volunteer President of a tiny 501c3 Charity that is in the Furry Community. We raise a donated tens of thousands of dollars annually for LGBTQIA+ and Animal Charities.

I was recently accepted to a nurse practitioner program where I hope, when I graduate, to open a clinic in an underserved area to provide urgent care, primary care, and LGBTGIA+ services. I am hoping to get help for my surgical needs so I can complete that before school starts this fall.

The funds raised will help cover the cost of the surgery itself and my hospital stay for recovery. Your support will allow me to move forward with confidence, knowing I have a community behind me. If I am able, I hope to thank supporters with a plushie of my character. I also want to set my fundraiser higher than my own needs, so that anything extra can be donated to a trans surgery fund to help others.

I am deeply grateful for any support, whether through donations or sharing my story. Thank you for helping me take this final step toward living as my true self.

How the funds will be used.

$2000 - Deposit to schedule Surgery date.

$1500 - Anesthesia Fee

$8000 - Hospital Stay

$26,500 - Surgical Fee

$2000 - Extra for incidentals or unexpected. Anything not used will be used to help someone else get their surgery. (Donated)