My name is Paisley and I finally have my top surgery scheduled November 28 with Dr O’Brien Coon at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, MD. Binding my chest has done so much damage to my lungs and ribs that I can no longer bind anymore and have 24/7 anxiety about my chest. I wouldn’t have been able to keep my patience for this long if it weren’t for my friends, family, and local LGBTQ+ community to accept me and keep me grounded. I am so ready to finally be me and start the next chapter of my life without this constant nagging feeling of incongruance with my body.

I finally have insurance, but this surgery will still be a bit of a financial burden for me. My surgery should cost about $1400 after my insurance and I am expecting my living expenses will be about $1200 while I am off work recovering.

For many years I have felt like nothing would help me get closer to my surgery so I have focused a lot of my energy on helping my local community. I am extremely proud to work with my local LGBTQ+ non-profit, Hagerstown Hopes , as we not only strengthen and educate our community, but provide a safe space for local youth at the new LGBTQ+ community center we've opened. I am a mentor to a handful of trans folks in my area that have come to me in search of resources and guidance about transitioning. When I can't contribute to surgery fundraisers monetarily, I love to design tshirts for my friends to fundraise with. These experiences have kept my heart so full while I've been waiting to feel at peace with my body.

I've always felt uncomfortable asking for money but many friends have assured me that I deserve to have this surgery without fretting about finances. Last year I was in a car accident that broke my ankle and drained my surgery savings, therefore delaying my surgery. Coming back from that has been a very low and frustrating time and I appreciate anyone that assists me in reaching my goal to have a flat chest.