Lou's Top Surgery Fund!
Donation protected
Hey y’all Lou here.
I’m a 27 year old, non-binary transmasculine human (he/they pronouns please), currently living in New Orleans, LA. I’m a carpenter/construction person and when I’m not building things can be found biking around, by the river, or making some art/music with friends.
I’ve been experiencing chest dysphoria since as long as I can remember. I began looking into top surgery 3 years ago and have been met with lots of obstacles. A year ago my surgery was scheduled here in New Orleans and at that time was covered by insurance. However that surgery date was postponed due to COVID, and then I lost my health insurance. I was able to get new insurance, tried to reschedule, and was denied. I then went through an appeal process, and was denied again, largely because I am not taking testosterone. I recently started the whole consultation process over with this same surgeon from before, who I have not found to be very helpful or affirming. I once again submitted for insurance coverage, and was still denied. At this point in my journey, testosterone is not part of my process, and it is highly unlikely my insurance will approve any surgery without being on T for a year.
Now a year later from when I was initially going to have surgery, I have found a surgeon in Charlotte, NC who I am very excited about. Her staff is incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, affirming, and I already feel super supported. I had initially thought I would be having surgery later in the year, but was contacted recently about a sooner available date which is April 22! I'm very excited, but this means I don't have as much time as I had initially anticipated to fundraise. I will most likely be taking out some loans, whether that is from the bank, or from friends and family. This fundraiser will then be used to pay back the money owed.
I will be getting double-incision with nipple grafts. The out of pocket cost for this is $9,000, which includes all visits related to the procedure, initial compression binder and dressings, facility and anesthesia fees. Because I will be traveling (10 hour drive) there will be a bit of an extra cost for gas, but luckily have a place to stay near Charlotte. I’m also asking for an additional $1,000 due to the fact that I will not be able to work for two months because of the very physical nature of my work. In recovery you are not supposed to lift more than 20lbs for one month, and the surgeon recommended an extra month for anything heavier.
This surgery is incredibly important and necessary for me. Binding regularly has caused a lot of wear and tear on my body, especially while doing manual labor. I can’t wait for the day when I wake up in a body that finally feels like mine!
I would like to ask that if you’re white, you consider prioritizing donations to the QTBIPOC community first. Additionally any funds not used will be donated to QTBIPOC surgery funds. If you have any extra space for donations, I greatly appreciate anything anyone can offer.
With much love and gratitude,
Lou
I’m a 27 year old, non-binary transmasculine human (he/they pronouns please), currently living in New Orleans, LA. I’m a carpenter/construction person and when I’m not building things can be found biking around, by the river, or making some art/music with friends.
I’ve been experiencing chest dysphoria since as long as I can remember. I began looking into top surgery 3 years ago and have been met with lots of obstacles. A year ago my surgery was scheduled here in New Orleans and at that time was covered by insurance. However that surgery date was postponed due to COVID, and then I lost my health insurance. I was able to get new insurance, tried to reschedule, and was denied. I then went through an appeal process, and was denied again, largely because I am not taking testosterone. I recently started the whole consultation process over with this same surgeon from before, who I have not found to be very helpful or affirming. I once again submitted for insurance coverage, and was still denied. At this point in my journey, testosterone is not part of my process, and it is highly unlikely my insurance will approve any surgery without being on T for a year.
Now a year later from when I was initially going to have surgery, I have found a surgeon in Charlotte, NC who I am very excited about. Her staff is incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, affirming, and I already feel super supported. I had initially thought I would be having surgery later in the year, but was contacted recently about a sooner available date which is April 22! I'm very excited, but this means I don't have as much time as I had initially anticipated to fundraise. I will most likely be taking out some loans, whether that is from the bank, or from friends and family. This fundraiser will then be used to pay back the money owed.
I will be getting double-incision with nipple grafts. The out of pocket cost for this is $9,000, which includes all visits related to the procedure, initial compression binder and dressings, facility and anesthesia fees. Because I will be traveling (10 hour drive) there will be a bit of an extra cost for gas, but luckily have a place to stay near Charlotte. I’m also asking for an additional $1,000 due to the fact that I will not be able to work for two months because of the very physical nature of my work. In recovery you are not supposed to lift more than 20lbs for one month, and the surgeon recommended an extra month for anything heavier.
This surgery is incredibly important and necessary for me. Binding regularly has caused a lot of wear and tear on my body, especially while doing manual labor. I can’t wait for the day when I wake up in a body that finally feels like mine!
I would like to ask that if you’re white, you consider prioritizing donations to the QTBIPOC community first. Additionally any funds not used will be donated to QTBIPOC surgery funds. If you have any extra space for donations, I greatly appreciate anything anyone can offer.
With much love and gratitude,
Lou
Organizer
Lou Hoecker
Organizer
New Orleans, LA