If you’re reading this, one of three things is true: first, and most likely, you love Sam like I do. Second, you love someone who shared this link with you and in supporting Sam, you are supporting them, or third, you’ve got a heart of gold and a buck or two to spare.

If you stumbled onto this fundraiser by chance, and none of those things are true, let me help you understand why there has never been a more deserving human on earth.

Sam is transgender. This wasn’t always a glaringly obvious fact to him, the feelings of disconnect and helplessness not rearing their head until his sophomore year of high school. After that, it was a slow transition into masculine clothing, shorter hair, different mannerisms- anything to try and be more comfortable in his own skin.

Before Sam ever began taking medication to begin his transition, he went to a mental health counselor for 3 years. He was adamant that it be a decision that was well processed and that he was certain about, and also, that he was in a stable, solid place mentally. He is over two years out from that decision, and he is excited to begin the next step in his transition.

Though his parents were supportive when he came out, as Sam began to medically transition, more problems arose. They told him that he was not allowed to use their health insurance (which he is still legally on) to help pay for anything to do with his transition. He has paid for every single testosterone shot and doctor’s visit with his own, hard-earned money, and continues to do so.

While Sam’s parents unquestionably love him, they are not supportive of this next step, which would be top surgery at a very well researched facility. He has always been extremely financially responsible with his money, working hard and saving up enough to pay for half of the procedure by himself.

And in a year or two he might possibly have enough saved to pay for the surgery in its entirety. Unfortunately, due to circumstances outside of his control, we are unsure of how much longer a surgery of that nature will be allowed in our country. So Sam has, with MUCH prodding, allowed me to start this fundraising campaign for him.

If you know Sam, you know that no one deserves a little help more than him. He is good, patient, kind, compassionate, and every other positive descriptor in the books. He pushes me and everyone he meets to be the best version of themselves. He is the light in every room. Anyone who has had the pleasure of interacting with Sam walks away better for it.

If you can support even a little bit, anything helps! Yes, even a buck or two. :)