Uterine Transplant Donor Expenses
Donation protected
This is the story that inspired me to want to become a live uterus donor: "First Baby in U.S. Born After a Uterus Transplant" http://time.com/5044565/exclusive-first-u-s-baby-born-after-a-uterus-transplant/ 
This story got me excited about the prospect of future uterus transplants becoming a possibility for trans women. Right now, only women who have ovaries are included in the clinical trials. At some point, the medical science will be able to deal with the hormonal complications from women without ovaries, and there should be no reason trans women couldn't be included in that group. As the parent of a trans son, I try to stay aware of medical procedures that could improve the quality of life for all trans people. 
This story got me excited about the possibility of participating in a meaningful way in the advancement of medical science. So much of the benefits we enjoy today are a result of individuals taking risks for the chance to help future human beings.
This story pushed me to get past my fear of flying, and to get past my issues with IVs and blood draws; it's pushed me to grow, and to hopefully be able to do something big for the benefit of another human being. I am in a position to do something good here, and I would really love to actually go through with it, and not just talk about it. 
I have just returned from the two days of medical screening at Baylor University Medical Center. I spoke with three surgeons, Dr Testa, Dr Koon, and Dr Johannesson from Sweden. I also spoke with the Living Donor Advocate, and with the psychologist, Dr Anne Marie Warren. 
Here's an article that mentions Dr Johannesson:
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/02/health/uterus-transplant-baby.html
I underwent a CT angiogram, an abdominal MRI (1.5 hours!), a pelvic Doppler, and a chest x-ray, not to mention the many vials of blood taken to check everything imaginable. Everything went well, and I should know within a couple weeks if they can take me, and if they have a woman who is a match for my uterus.
This clinical trial needs two more donors/recipients, and they want to finish soon, so they can begin a second and final trial. My surgery could be scheduled as soon as March! 
Here's another story about the program: https://www.dallasnews.com/business/health-care/2017/12/11/after-uterine-transplant-leads-baby-baylor-flooded-calls-join-study
The nurse in the article, Kristin Wallis, is the person I spoke to, and the person who has walked me through this whole process so far. She is really wonderful! 
So now the nitty gritty details of my request: Because it is illegal to buy human organs (!?!), Baylor can only cover my lodging expense, at their post-transplant housing, Twice Blessed House. All medical expenses are covered by them, as well, of course. They cannot cover any travel expenses, including flights or taxis, food, or other incidentals. I would expect to be there in Dallas for about 10 days from the surgery date.
My husband, Eddie, will go with me for the surgery, but then will have to return home. Because I cannot stay alone during recovery in Dallas, my 18 year old son Thomas will fly down to stay with me for the remainder of the time. There will also be a three-month follow-up appointment, which will require me to fly to Dallas again.
I am hoping to raise funds to help pay for travel and food expenses that I will incur if I am selected to become a live uterus donor. This would include 4 round-trip tickets, for me, my husband, and my son. It would include cab or Uber fare from the airport to the hospital and back. There are grocery stores nearby, and Eddie can stock the kitchen before he leaves.
I may have only a month or so to raise funds for this, so I'm starting it now. As I said, surgery could be scheduled for March.
If for some reason I am not selected for the program, or do not use all the money raised, I will donate all funds to Side by Side, a non-profit organization "dedicated to creating supportive communities where Virginia’s LGBTQ+ youth can define themselves, belong, and flourish." http://www.sidebysideva.org/ If you think this is something you'd like to help make happen, please donate here, or help me share my story. I'm happy to answer any questions and will keep this page updated as things progress. Thank you for reading!
Silvia
This story got me excited about the prospect of future uterus transplants becoming a possibility for trans women. Right now, only women who have ovaries are included in the clinical trials. At some point, the medical science will be able to deal with the hormonal complications from women without ovaries, and there should be no reason trans women couldn't be included in that group. As the parent of a trans son, I try to stay aware of medical procedures that could improve the quality of life for all trans people. 
This story got me excited about the possibility of participating in a meaningful way in the advancement of medical science. So much of the benefits we enjoy today are a result of individuals taking risks for the chance to help future human beings.
This story pushed me to get past my fear of flying, and to get past my issues with IVs and blood draws; it's pushed me to grow, and to hopefully be able to do something big for the benefit of another human being. I am in a position to do something good here, and I would really love to actually go through with it, and not just talk about it. 
I have just returned from the two days of medical screening at Baylor University Medical Center. I spoke with three surgeons, Dr Testa, Dr Koon, and Dr Johannesson from Sweden. I also spoke with the Living Donor Advocate, and with the psychologist, Dr Anne Marie Warren. 
Here's an article that mentions Dr Johannesson:https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/02/health/uterus-transplant-baby.html
I underwent a CT angiogram, an abdominal MRI (1.5 hours!), a pelvic Doppler, and a chest x-ray, not to mention the many vials of blood taken to check everything imaginable. Everything went well, and I should know within a couple weeks if they can take me, and if they have a woman who is a match for my uterus.
This clinical trial needs two more donors/recipients, and they want to finish soon, so they can begin a second and final trial. My surgery could be scheduled as soon as March! 
Here's another story about the program: https://www.dallasnews.com/business/health-care/2017/12/11/after-uterine-transplant-leads-baby-baylor-flooded-calls-join-study The nurse in the article, Kristin Wallis, is the person I spoke to, and the person who has walked me through this whole process so far. She is really wonderful! 
So now the nitty gritty details of my request: Because it is illegal to buy human organs (!?!), Baylor can only cover my lodging expense, at their post-transplant housing, Twice Blessed House. All medical expenses are covered by them, as well, of course. They cannot cover any travel expenses, including flights or taxis, food, or other incidentals. I would expect to be there in Dallas for about 10 days from the surgery date.
My husband, Eddie, will go with me for the surgery, but then will have to return home. Because I cannot stay alone during recovery in Dallas, my 18 year old son Thomas will fly down to stay with me for the remainder of the time. There will also be a three-month follow-up appointment, which will require me to fly to Dallas again.
I am hoping to raise funds to help pay for travel and food expenses that I will incur if I am selected to become a live uterus donor. This would include 4 round-trip tickets, for me, my husband, and my son. It would include cab or Uber fare from the airport to the hospital and back. There are grocery stores nearby, and Eddie can stock the kitchen before he leaves.
I may have only a month or so to raise funds for this, so I'm starting it now. As I said, surgery could be scheduled for March.
If for some reason I am not selected for the program, or do not use all the money raised, I will donate all funds to Side by Side, a non-profit organization "dedicated to creating supportive communities where Virginia’s LGBTQ+ youth can define themselves, belong, and flourish." http://www.sidebysideva.org/ If you think this is something you'd like to help make happen, please donate here, or help me share my story. I'm happy to answer any questions and will keep this page updated as things progress. Thank you for reading!
Silvia
Organizer
Silvia Park
Organizer
Charlottesville, VA
