In 2016 I entered a mighty struggle. A battle within myself, in 2017 I gained clarity and began facing the battle head-on. By 2018 I was able to stand tall and be myself. 

All of that cost me a lot. My parents and sister, lost my job, lost friends, and for a while, felt adrift. The last couple of years have helped me feel right though. I have great friends, stronger relationships with cousins and other family, and a community to stand by my side.

In 2019 I began to realize that I needed to have gender-confirming surgery (yeah, that one). I was covered by insurance, and I started the wheels in motion. But hit roadblocks... and I pivoted to self-financing my procedure. I was scheduled for surgery in India in April 2020. And we all know what happened there. Unfortunately for me, I lost all that money, as I have not been able to get any refund.  Since I had pulled money out of my 401k to cover the procedure, coupled with Covid job nightmares, I am here. The good news is, that I have a new surgeon and a new date, and it is covered by insurance (how much of it is covered remains to be seen though). And he is in Northern California, so I don't have to go international.

The funds that I am asking for will help me pay for lost wages while I recover, for any deductibles or money required that insurance won't cover, my housing in Northern California for surgery, transportation/flights, and recovery near the doctor for follow-ups. 

The best/worst part is, that my date is currently scheduled for April 29, 2021. Which is coming up fast!