Hi! I'm Sam, a trans-masc non-binary parent.

Growing up, I always felt different. I knew I was gay from an early age, but I never felt quite right in my body. When I found the term for non-binary and learned about hormone replacement therapy, I knew this would be quite the journey, but one that would be well worth it for me. Since starting HRT I have felt more at home in my body than ever before. I've been waiting for top surgery to take that next step and feel even more like me.

After 3 years of being wait-listed, my top surgery is booked for March 10th 2026! I was originally supposed to be getting the surgery the fall/winter of 2025, but due to losing a job for reasons I'm legally bound to withhold by my employer, needing to find a new job and lack of funds because of these circumstances, it needed to be changed to early 2026. While waiting for the surgery team to choose a rescheduled day, I've been antsy and working extra hours to help make this happen. Of course life happens and in the meantime other costs came up like car problems and medical expenses to name a couple.

All that to say, we are so excited that the day is finally coming!

My family and I are asking our community for support during this time. My current job requires a lot of heavy lifting and according to the surgeon's recommendations, I will need approximately 4-6 weeks off of work. My partner and children will need to travel with me to assist me with the post-procedural recovery. Travelling is necessary as there is no one here that offers this procedure. We must stay approximately 4-5 days; for the surgery itself (and a day before for travel time) and then a check-up within the 2-3 days afterwards. We will then drive back home. I am expecting/hoping for the Ontario Travel Grant to cover some of the costs, but it is possible that they won't cover the cost of overnight stays and won't cover the expenses incurred by my family being with me.

To give some context of the costs/fees I have written them in a list below. Including a list of ways to support us during this time. :)

Procedure not covered by OHIP: $1001

Accommodations for overnight stays including and activities to keep our our children busy : $1000

Possible assistance w/ groceries and bills with time off of work (not covered by EI): $800

Ways to support us before, after and during:

Sharing/donating to our GoFundMe

Hangout with our children as a way to offer some relief and sleep for myself and partner as our children are homeschooled

Offering words of support and encouragement ( I am excited, but it is also nerve wracking)

Bringing/ordering us some safe meals, foods without pressure of a visit

Sending us memes and funny things and of course just sending us a message and checking in on us

Thank you to everyone that's been here along this journey with us and all of those that can support us in the way that you can! We appreciate you all!