My name is Patch Fraga, and I’m helping raise funds for my partner Kyle Clark's top surgery and recovery.

As another transgender person who has gone through this process myself, I know how life-changing gender-affirming care can be—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too. Watching someone you love struggle with gender dysphoria—the distress of not feeling at home in your body—while knowing there’s something that could genuinely help is incredibly difficult.

Kyle has known he was trans since he was very young. While he’s been able to move through much of the world privately and be seen by others as a cis man, that hasn’t taken away the dysphoria he’s carried internally for years.

Top surgery, a gender-affirming breast removal surgery, is something Kyle has wanted for a long time, but until recently, he hasn’t had the stability or resources to make it possible. Now, with a stable job, reliable transportation, and a supportive environment, he is finally able to take this step.

We work together in a bakery, and the physical and emotional toll of dysphoria shows up in everyday ways. Kyle often layers multiple shirts just to feel comfortable enough to get through work, even while working in front of hot ovens all day. This surgery won’t fix everything, but it will help him feel more at home in his body and move through life with more comfort and confidence.

Kyle’s consultation at the end of April went well, and surgery is planned for August 2026. Because he works a physically demanding job as a baker, he will need to take about 4–5 weeks off during recovery. During that time, he won’t be able to lift, raise his arms above chest height, or move normally for several weeks.

His surgeon strongly recommends staying near the hospital in San Francisco for the first 10 days after surgery while surgical drains are in place and follow-up care is closely monitored. Without funds for lodging, we would likely need to make repeated 5-hour drives between Humboldt and San Francisco during recovery, which could make healing more difficult and stressful.

While the surgery itself is covered by insurance, we are raising funds to help cover:

Travel to San Francisco for appointments and surgery ($450–$550)

A 10-day hotel stay near the hospital ($1,000–$1,500)

Post-op supplies and scar care (~$200)

Lost wages during recovery (~$4,000–$5,000 not covered by disability)

Our goal is to raise $3,000–$4,000 to help offset these costs and allow Kyle to recover safely without added financial stress.

Kyle has built much of his life independently and continues to show up every day with quiet strength and authenticity. I’ll be helping care for him during recovery alongside our close friends and support system.

If you’re able to donate or share, we are deeply grateful. Thank you for supporting Kyle, our family, and helping him take this step.