Shephard's Gender-affirming Surgery

Hello friends,

On May 29th, I am scheduled to finally receive top surgery. The deadline for payment is fast approaching, but things have not gone according to plan. I am reaching out to ask for help here in the final stretch in order to cover the remainder of my medical costs and keep this scheduled date.

I've been saving money for this ever since securing a job that would make it possible. I've been lucky to be allowed by my employer to rollover unused PTO for the last three years, and am just short of enough to cover the entire healing period (six weeks), so all I need worry about is the medical bills. I was expecting my insurance through United Healthcare to cover a portion of this, but that's no longer going to happen and I am on the hook to pay the entire amount out of pocket -- a long story, and I'm happy to share the details, but I think UHC's reputation may speak for itself at this point...

There is a chance that I can challenge UHC's decision and receive a partial reimbursement somewhere down the line. If I'm successful, I am committed to taking whatever amount that I'm able to fundraise and paying it forward to another trans sibling in the community.

Especially given the threats of the current administration, I don't want to delay my surgery any longer. This procedure would greatly improve my daily quality of life, and I'm worried that there will come a point where it is no longer accessible to me. Your generosity, in whatever amount, means the world. If you're unable to contribute to my cause financially, sharing this campaign with your network would mean just as much to me.

much love,

Shephard