Hi,

My name is Shelby and I'm having top surgery and need support. If you don't know what top surgery is, it's a procedure utilized by transgender men to remove unwanted breast tissue. Not all transgender men want or need this operation, but I do desperately. I have tried several different techniques to have my chest look and feel the way I want it to, and after 6 years of using flattening techniques such as chest binding using special "KT tape" and chest binders, I'm suffering physically because of it. My tissue has torn from my chest wall, leaving my upper torso feeling constantly sore. My ribs and sides are misaligned, leading to back issues, and the tightening of both techniques makes me short of breath. Now I'm having allergic reactions to the adhesive on the tape, and using it results in blistering skin. Even with all of these issues, not using these things to help myself isn't an option due to the severity of depression I feel when I stop. But I just can't physically continue for much longer.

And finally, after years of trying, my insurance has approved the procedure and all costs except for $5,400. I'm terrified of surgery because of the unknown, and this decision wasn't one made hastily. But if I truly want to be the best father, husband, son, friend, and human I can be, then this surgery can help. I'm fearful, worried, grateful, and anxious to live in a body I want and can feel proud of. Anything at all helps. Thank you.