Help Alex Get Top Surgery!

Hello! I'm Alex and I'm a trans-masc artist, teacher, barista, and human from Columbus, Ohio.

I first started my transition coming out to a small group of friends in 2018, and words can't express the world of difference it has been to be able to learn and live my truth in the years since. Through constant support, therapy, and starting hormone's I have been able to feel at home in my body in ways I never imagined possible growing up.

Next up on the journey: top surgery!

I still remember the feeling I got when I put on a binder for the first time. Something just clicked, and it was like suddenly i was seeing myself in the mirror for the first time. Binding has been a necessary step in dealing with persistent and daily dysphoria, but it's not sustainable longterm and it has already had effects on my health.

Getting top surgery would be a life changing experience for me, and that's why I'm here now asking for help.

At this point I've just had my consultation with local surgeon, Dr. Haruko Okada. Thankfully the insurance I have through Starbucks is accepted by her office and inclusive enough to cover much of the operation. However, there's still the out of pockets portion of costs, as well as food, recovery materials, and rent while I take the necessary time off to heal.

As for the out of pocket procedure costs, after talking with Dr. Okada much of that will be able to be covered by the savings I've amassed in expectation of this step in my transition. The down side, it's going to nearly empty that account and won't leave me any wiggle room for other costs.

The money I'm asking for here will be used for groceries, medical supplies, and rent during my 4 weeks off work following surgery, as well as any unexpected expenses should my insurance not be as cooperative as I'm hoping.

Any help you can provide at all, even if it's just sharing this fundraiser, would make a world of difference and be eternally appreciated <3

Thank you for your support and for reading this.

much love & all the best,

Alex

[If you would like to avoid the percentage of funds taken by GoFunMe, I am also accepting donations via venmo @Alex-Burks]