Stand by Joanne's Transition and Healing

Title

Help Joanne Heal After Top Surgery—Cover Income & Medical Costs

Story

Hi, I’m Joanne Culver (she/her)—a 57-year-old Las Vegas therapist, long-time sober gal, and proud transgender woman finally stepping into the body that matches my spirit.

On April 29, 2025, I’m getting gender-affirming top surgery. Insurance pays the surgeon (co-pay $15—wild, right?), but I’m still on the hook for two big things:

No paid time off. I run my own private practice, so two weeks of doctor-ordered rest (Apr 29 – May 13) = $2,000 I won’t earn.

Hospital & anesthesia bills. My plan’s out-of-pocket max is $2,000; I’ve already knocked out $200 on labs, leaving $1,800 that will drop once the hospital sends its invoice.

After-care cushion. Compression vest, extra dressings, meds, and “just-in-case” follow-ups: $500.

Need Amount

Two weeks of lost income $2,000

Hospital + anesthesia (OOP) $1,800

Supplies / after-care buffer $500

Total goal $4,300

I’ll get the hospital’s formal estimate on April 23 (pre-op bloodwork + EKG). The second I have exact numbers, I’ll post screenshots here. If the bills land lower than expected, any extra will stay in a dedicated after-care fund—for physical therapy, revision consults, or whatever recovery throws my way.

Current & recent clients (last 2 yrs): Please don’t feel obligated to donate. Your healing comes first—your good vibes are more than enough.

How you can help

Donate whatever feels right—even $5 moves the needle.

Share this link so it pops up on more feeds.

Check back—I’ll add a video update as soon as I wrangle my lighting and nerves.

Thank you for backing trans joy, accessible mental-health care, and one very excited therapist who can’t wait to hug the world a little straighter post-op.

— Joanne