Hello everyone,

My name is Mika. I'm a 37-year-old genderfluid transfemme, and after years of waiting, planning, and working toward this goal, I am finally nearing a date for my gender-affirming surgery. I have my in person consult happening this December and hope to get a surgery date or time frame soon after.

This surgery is an incredibly important step for me and something I have wanted for a very long time. While I am fortunate to have health insurance helping to cover a portion of the medical costs, there are still significant expenses that insurance won't cover.

Recovery will require me to be out of work for several months, and my girlfriend will also need to take time away from work to help care for me during the most critical parts of my recovery. Between reduced income, travel expenses, lodging, medical supplies, and everyday living costs, the financial burden is much larger than I can comfortably manage on my own.

Because I will be traveling for surgery, I will need to stay near the hospital for almost a month after surgery to attend follow-up appointments and ensure that any complications can be addressed quickly. That means paying for extended hotel accommodations, food, transportation, and recovery supplies while also dealing with a significant loss of income.

As I've begun putting together a realistic recovery budget, the costs have added up much faster than I expected. While I am exploring loans and other options to help cover these expenses, I know the repayment process will be difficult while I am recovering and working to get back on my feet.

Asking for help does not come naturally to me. I've always preferred to handle things myself, and it is difficult for me to reach out and ask others for support. However, the people who care about me have encouraged me to let others help if they are able and willing.

Any contribution, no matter the amount, will help reduce the financial stress surrounding my recovery and allow me to focus on healing. If you aren't able to donate, sharing this fundraiser with others would mean just as much.

For me, this surgery is about finally being in a body that feels like me. This is the goal of years of understanding myself, pushing forward, and hope to finally be me. Being able to take this step means more than I can ever put into words, and it will have a lasting impact on my quality of life and well-being.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for supporting me during this important chapter of my life.

With gratitude,

Mika

Estimated Recovery Costs - Goal: $17,000

• Insurance deductible: $3,000

• Lost income: $4,000–$5,000

• Hotel (1+ month): ~$7,000

• Food and daily living expenses: $500–$900

• Post-surgery medical supplies: ~$500

• Dilation supplies: ~$700

Total estimated expenses: approximately $17,000

Every dollar raised will go directly toward helping me cover these costs and focus on a safe and successful recovery.