Hello! Reposting with an update as of November 18th 2025 so it doesn’t get lost in the updates. I had my consultation on November 4th with Dr. Kotick for top surgery (bilateral mastectomy). I had a very positive experience and have decided to move forward with this surgeon. Yay! In order to book a surgery date, I need to put down a deposit of $1,300. The total surgery cost will be $8,715, which was within the higher range of what I expected for this procedure without insurance. As a result, I have to move the surgery GoFundMe goal to $5,500. The new date for surgery will hopefully be at the end of May/early June 2026.

*** I need to raise $1,300 in order to book a surgery date ***

I need to raise these funds by mid-December to be able to secure a May date for top surgery.

Hi! My name is Aspen, chosen because of their heart-shaped leaves and how we both wear a heart on our sleeves. I am nonbinary and transmasculine. As of November 2025, I have been on testosterone for over 3 years and identified as transgender for 7 years.

I was unable to get puberty blockers or testosterone while in high school, and as a result I have developed breast tissue. Living in Florida has also been extremely challenging being trans and accessing medication recently with the anti trans legislation. I have also lost money and employment opportunities due to transphobia especially in my field of education and working with youth.

My goal in making this GoFundMe is to be able to have top surgery. I do not have health insurance through the Healthcare Marketplace because I earn too little to qualify. I currently am a full-time college student and work part-time with a nonprofit in Tampa with outdoor recreation activities and mentorship for youth. I am a local volunteer and organizer in the Tampa Bay Area as well.

I have not received any financial aid from the grants and funds I have applied to for top surgery, and there is a great need for so many trans folks right now seeking support. I do not have any other resources at this moment to afford top surgery other than crowdfunding. I cannot even donate plasma anymore because it has been affecting my ability to work.

I have POTS, hypermobility, and other chronic conditions that prevent me from being able to work full-time. I have a small art business, Queer Bird Art. I also rely on financial aid from Pell Grant and Bright Futures to be able to afford my tuition, rent, and basic necessities.

This surgery would be life-changing. I would be able to have a more active lifestyle again and go out fishing, snorkeling, and be able to be outdoors with youth. This would also provide me immense relief from back pain and knee pain from my current chest weight. When I go out, I'm constantly binding in the Florida heat because of dysphoria. The only time I am not binding is when I am swimming, which makes one of my favorite activities very uncomfortable. I would like to feel at home in my body and be able to do the things I used to.

Thank you for taking the time to read this :)

I will be updating as my journey progresses <333