Surgery Expenses for Alec

Alec puts so much love into the communities they’re part of. If you know Alec, you know how much they want everyone to be truly seen and cared for. Anyone who has been to a Beit Ahavah service has likely heard their name, usually from someone expressing gratitude for the ways they create and sustain our community. Alec’s impact can be seen in so much, from co-creating queer Jewish spaces to helping plan High Holiday services amidst a pandemic. They connect with so many people and make space to listen while pushing our community to grow. If you have benefited from their work in any way, please consider giving or sharing this fundraiser. Apart from all their work, Al is a great friend, and I want them to feel the love they so freely give. They deserve to recover knowing they’re being held and cared for.

 

Some words from Alec:

My name is Alec, and I’m a 26-year-old queer and nonbinary Jewish writer, artist, friend, baker, mystic, community shaper, and goof. I feel very blessed to have the amazing opportunity to get two medically necessary surgeries in the coming months.

 

I have one surgery coming up on February 25, 2022 to correct the bone structure in my right foot (which currently causes large amounts of chronic pain in my knees and back); and another surgery in mid-August, a gender-affirming double-mastectomy (which will help me feel secure and at home in my body).

 

I currently work two part-time jobs: one as Office Manager and Engagement Coordinator for Beit Ahavah, and another in childcare. Taking time off for these necessary surgeries is both exciting for the changes they will bring, and anxiety-producing for my financial stability. While my surgeries are almost entirely covered with insurance, there are many other expenses to handle. My childcare job, which I love deeply, unfortunately does not have paid time off, and I am anticipating needing 2-3 weeks off from that work while I recover.

 

I am trying to raise enough funds to help supplement my income in this time and allow me to have adequate time and space to heal, rather than rushing back to work due to financial restraints. Below is the break-down of anticipated costs:

 

First surgery/foot surgery goal: $850 ($750 for 2-3 weeks of unpaid leave; ~$100 for supplies)

 

Second surgery/top surgery goal: $950 ($900 for unpaid leave; ~$50 for supplies)

 

Total goal: $1800

 

I’ve lived with chronic physical pain and gender dysphoria for my entire adult life, and this opportunity to change my relationship with my body from one of pain to one of joy is amazing to the point that I lack words to articulate. If you are able to contribute anything at all to this fund to help give me time and space to heal and recover, I will be forever grateful!

 

All of these funds will be used to supplement my income while I recover.