Support Sarah’s top surgery!

Hi folx, I’m Sarah. For the majority of my life, I have felt like I was living in a costume: a role forced upon me. Now, at the age of 37, I’m taking the next step to make a change to my body that makes the “outside” me look more like the way I feel “inside.”

On May 21st, 2024, I will undergo top surgery. This procedure represents my chance to live authentically and without restriction in my own body.

Living in a body is hard enough. For me, being in my body feels alien and disconnected from my emotional experience. Every moment can feel uncomfortable. This ongoing distress impacts my mental health and my relationships by way of dysphoria, anxiety, and general discomfort. I find it’s difficult to access joy, to pay attention, and to even imagine a future where I feel like my True Self.

Top surgery offers me the opportunity to thrive, work, and play in a body that feels like my own, like home. I dream of swimming in the ocean, dancing, building things, and hugging close those I love while loving myself in the process—without inhibition.

I’ve learned firsthand that healing happens in community among those invested in collective solidarity and self-actualization. We learn to protect each other and in turn liberate each other. Mutual aid — my asking for your financial support in my own healing and growth — is a vulnerable process. But one that ultimately serves as a lasting affirmation. With your support, I can know what it feels like to be truly seen by humans dedicated to learning and growing with me. You are my cheering section. And I need you as I walk this road toward empowered health and well-being.

I am fortunate that my private health insurance covers a good portion of my surgery and related appointments. However, I am still responsible for $3,000 of out-of-pocket health care expenses. The expected recuperation time for my top surgery is 6-8 weeks which will also require me to stop working my full-time carpentry job to fully heal.

My goal? To raise $8,000. These funds will be used to pay for my portion of the procedure not covered by insurance, replace lost income, and enable my partner, Katie, to take two weeks off to care for me. Katie is self-employed and has no option for paid time off (PTO).

I understand there are many worthy causes, hungry mouths, and communities that need financial support at this time, and I do not make this ask lightly. Any donation, big or small, is deeply appreciated. To pursue this surgery is a dream that I can finally realize. To pursue this surgery with the support of my community will help me find a powerful sense of belonging. I can think of no greater gift.

Thank you for being a part of my story. Please consider donating and/or sharing my GoFundMe. Your support is so deeply felt!

Gratefully,

Sarah Moon