Hello, my name is Theo and I'm raising funds to pay for my gender-affirming top surgery, which took place on October 17, 2024. I have made a full recovery and even had my lifting restrictions removed a week early! I am still paying for the surgery, and your donation would really mean a lot.

I'm 29 years old, and my journey has already been a long one. Ten years ago, if you asked me where I thought I’d be at this age, I wouldn't even be able to give you an answer. I could never picture myself even living this long. Not to be cliche, but transitioning saved my life.

I came out publicly as a transgender man and began my medical transition by beginning gender-affirming hormone therapy about 2.5 years ago. I legally changed my name almost 1.5 years ago. Living as my true self has been liberating and is the best thing I've ever experienced.

Update (December 2024): surgery went perfectly and my quality of life has improved significantly! My mental and physical health are so much better than ever. I have much more mental capacity to handle my daily stressors now, and I'm in significantly less pain on a daily basis since I no longer need to wear a binder. This surgery has improved my life in so many ways!

I left the original story I wrote below so you can read how I felt before surgery and understand my struggles. I appreciate you taking the time to read, share, and donate.

I don't see me when I look in the mirror. I can't take my shirt off and go swimming safely in public. My activities are quite restricted when wearing a binder, so I can't safely exercise outside of my home. I've had to significantly limit my activities for the past two and a half years, which is very hard on my mental health. After an extremely long wait, followed by a grueling battle with insurance, I finally have a surgery date: October 17!

Top surgery is a huge milestone in my transition and I am so excited to be so close to the big day!

The funds raised will be used to pay for the surgery itself and the cost of supplies needed for recovery.

It's hard to ask for help, but any amount will be helpful. Even if you can't donate, if you can spread the word and share this fundraiser, that would be appreciated.

Top surgery is not only extremely important to me, it is medically necessary for my mental health and well-being. This is a major step towards aligning my inner sense of self with my outer body. I am so excited to be able to go hiking again, and try new activities like climbing, bicycling, and anything else I want to try! I can't wait to enjoy the beach instead of being hot and uncomfortable wearing a binder under my shirt. But, what I'm looking forward to the most is looking in the mirror and finally seeing myself.

Any donation amount is appreciated. Please feel free to share this fundraiser. Thank you so much!