Name: Roni Bambino Harvey

Age: 31

(Surgery Needed)

This facial feminization surgery is not a matter of vanity or luxury—it is a lifesaving and life-affirming necessity. Every day I am forced to live in a body that does not reflect who I truly am. The emotional toll this takes is immense. The gender dysphoria I experience is constant, painful, and deeply distressing. It affects my mental health, my sense of self-worth, and my ability to safely navigate the world as a transgender woman.

As a woman living with both gender dysphoria and bipolar depression, the psychological impact of not having access to the care I need is overwhelming. There are days I can hardly recognize myself in the mirror, and the disconnect between how I feel and how I look keeps me trapped in a cycle of anxiety, shame, and isolation. No one should have to live this way.

Beyond the emotional and mental distress, there is also the matter of physical safety. Transgender women—especially those whose gender presentation is questioned or policed—face a significantly higher risk of harassment, violence, and discrimination. Facial feminization surgery would not only affirm my identity but also help me move through the world with greater safety, confidence, and dignity.

I’ve been ready for this step my entire life. But despite years of trying, fundraising, and saving what little I can on disability income, the cost remains far beyond my reach. I have exhausted all other financial options. Without support from the Jim Collins Foundation, I fear I will continue to be stuck in this painful in-between—where I am not fully seen, not fully safe, and not fully myself.

This surgery will allow me to live—not just survive. It will give me the chance to finally feel at home in my own skin, to pursue my dreams as an actress, and to show up in the world as the woman I’ve always been. I urgently need this surgery to reclaim my life, my health, and my future.

(My Story)

My name is Roni Bambino Harvey. I’m a 31-year-old transgender woman and aspiring actress from Los Angeles, California. I am writing to humbly ask my community for support through my journey, as I continue to work toward my goal of receiving the gender-affirming surgery that I have long needed but have been unable to afford.

For as long as I can remember, I have lived with the deep, painful feeling of being out of place in my own body. Like many transgender women, I’ve faced years of sadness, isolation, and emotional struggle trying to exist in a world that often fails to understand or accept us. Transitioning is not just something I want—it is something I need to be whole, to live authentically, and to find peace. This surgery will allow me to align my outer self with who I’ve always been inside. It would help ease the dysphoria that has weighed heavily on my mental health and protect me from the shame and hostility so often directed toward trans women.

I have been preparing for this transition my entire life. I’m ready to fully become the proud woman I’ve always known I am. Receiving this grant would be a life-changing opportunity—one that would bring me closer to a future filled with confidence, dignity, and safety.

So far, I have been able to raise just over $400 through the generous support of family, friends, and crowdfunding. Unfortunately, I am on disability and receive only $1,186.00 a month from the Social Security Administration, which barely covers my basic needs like rent, food, and bills. I’ve exhausted all of my other fundraising options and am reaching out in the hope that you will consider my application for assistance.

If selected, I will be cared for by my best friend and roommate of over eight years, Miklo. He has been a source of unwavering love and support throughout my journey, and he will be by my side to assist me during recovery.

Chosen Surgeon:

Dr. Harrison Lee

9735 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 220

Beverly Hills, CA 90212

Therapist (Diagnosis of Gender Dysphoria & Bipolar Disorder):

Dr. Jose David Cohen, Psy.D. (deceased)

C.P.E.S | Life Counseling

Doctor of Clinical Psychology

LMFT #33158 |

Post-Surgery Caretaker:

Miklo – Best friend and roommate of 8+ years

Thank you so much for checking out my fundraiser It would be a true blessing to receive any support, and I am deeply grateful for all love or support from the community to achieve my goal.

With kindness and hope,

Roni Bambino Harvey