Hi everybody, I'm Smith! I am a non-binary, chronically ill artist and baker who lives in Baltimore, MD, on stolen Piscataway land. For years, I have experienced gender dysphoria and chronic back/shoulder pain on a daily basis because of my chest.
At the end of 2019, I decided to start the process of getting top surgery (a double incision mastectomy), and I have met a fair number of obstacles along the way. My current insurer turned what should be a joyful expression of my gender identity and my agency into a painful struggle to get adequate care. After much deliberation, I have decided that the best way to have my needs met is to go out-of-network for surgery.
I am lucky enough to have supportive parents who feed and house me while the pandemic makes it impossible to safely find work as a person with an autoimmune condition. I have also started a small home bakery business in order to have some income this year. However, my savings have still taken a big hit, and the pandemic is far from over. I am in no position to afford this medically necessary surgery on my own, which is why I need YOUR help!
My cost estimate is as follows:
-Initial Consult: $130
-Surgeon's Fee: $6000
-Hospital, Anesthesia, and Miscellaneous Fees: $1000-2000
These figures will become more specific and concrete after my consult. I expect to contribute $1000 of my own money, but that leaves a sizable chunk I need to fundraise. Please consider donating to help me on my journey! <3
At the end of 2019, I decided to start the process of getting top surgery (a double incision mastectomy), and I have met a fair number of obstacles along the way. My current insurer turned what should be a joyful expression of my gender identity and my agency into a painful struggle to get adequate care. After much deliberation, I have decided that the best way to have my needs met is to go out-of-network for surgery.
I am lucky enough to have supportive parents who feed and house me while the pandemic makes it impossible to safely find work as a person with an autoimmune condition. I have also started a small home bakery business in order to have some income this year. However, my savings have still taken a big hit, and the pandemic is far from over. I am in no position to afford this medically necessary surgery on my own, which is why I need YOUR help!
My cost estimate is as follows:
-Initial Consult: $130
-Surgeon's Fee: $6000
-Hospital, Anesthesia, and Miscellaneous Fees: $1000-2000
These figures will become more specific and concrete after my consult. I expect to contribute $1000 of my own money, but that leaves a sizable chunk I need to fundraise. Please consider donating to help me on my journey! <3