
Help Raymond Heal: Covering Bills During Surgery Recovery
Donation protected
My name is Raymond, and I am raising money for the recovery of my hysterectomy. My hysterectomy has become medically necessary, as my endometriosis has been interrupting my work, my sleep, and my life in general. Unfortunately my job does not offer any paid leave for part-time employees, so I would be taking my six-week healing time with no income. I already live paycheck to paycheck so I need some help paying for bills while I recover! You can read more of my story below.
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I started having periods when I was just ten years old, and from the beginning, they were extremely painful. My cramps radiate down into my thighs and up into my stomach. My legs go weak and even give out. I have hot flashes, back pain, dizziness, nausea, and my sleep is very disturbed. I've never gone a single period without needing painkillers and/or a heating pad. They have made me miss work, school, and social events. I have limited options when it comes to birth control due to my high risk of heart problems, and the ones I have tried messed me up physically & emotionally.
Last year, I moved away from my hometown and decided to get a second opinion on my issues since I was surrounded by new doctors. I went to Planned Parenthood, and the physician there told me it was apparent that I had endometriosis. I felt so validated and relieved to finally have answers. It was at this point that I decided to pursue a hysterectomy.
Luckily this was a pretty easy choice for me. One, my periods have made me nothing but miserable for the past 15 years. Two, I don't ever want kids and have had this mindset for a long time... not to mention the current legislature surrounding abortions, gods forbid I needed one. Three, as a transmasculine person, my periods have always given me gender dysphoria along with my pain.
It took about five months for it to be my turn to be scheduled, and now I am finally being offered surgery dates. Knowing that I would not have income, however, I haven't been able to take a surgery date yet. I work part-time for a local non-profit and they do not offer any short-term disability or paid leave for part-time employees. The only thing they can offer me is a leave of absence so I would be able to return to my job.
I need to be able to pay two month's worth of bills during my leave at work. My minimum need is $1,700. My goal is $2,000 so I can help my partner pay for groceries or in case there are other needs that arise. Any support would be appreciated!
Organizer

Raymond Falkiewicz
Organizer
Kalamazoo, MI