Top surgery for Michaela
Donation protected
Hello friends. This is the first time I've ever done something like this , so I guess I'll start simply by saying who I am.
My name is Michaela and I'm a 23 year old Agender artist. I've been doing art since I can remember, and I've been working since I was 17 years old. I've had body dysphoria since I entered puberty; something felt...not quite right with me. Girls in my grade wanted to wear pushup bras, while I wanted to wear baggy sweaters to hide myself.
I was told it was a phase and that I would grow into myself. Now, as a 23 year old adult I feel the same. My breasts to me are a burden and are unwanted things that get in the way, and don't feel as though they belong to me.
Breast reduction / ftm top surgery is something I have wanted since before I even knew there was such a thing.
After doing my research, hearing others' stories, seeing before and after pictures of the surgery and hearing the pros and cons of it all I have decided that this is a step I want to take. I have been really lucky to have emotionally supportive friends, coworkers and family.
I know surgery will not be the end all to my dysphoric struggles but it will help me to truly feel like who I am in the inside.
My next step is to reach out to surgeons who are in my state (since I really can't afford to take any more time off from work to travel to them) and get a consultation.
I've heard that the average cost for this type of surgery is about 8 thousand, but I've heard some people have paid over 9 thousand. As of this moment I don't have health insurance (not that insurance usually pays for this kind of 'cosmetic' surgery) and I make a little more than minimum wage at my day job.
That's where Gofundme, and you, step in.
I don't like to ask for help or a handout in any way, its just not who I am. I like to work for everything I have. However, I can't expect to reach a goal of 8 thousand dollars by myself in such a short time. My goal is to have the surgery before the end of this year. (Perhaps early next year if it comes to that but I really hope sooner rather than later.)
I hope you'll consider donating and helping me to reach my dream of feeling comfortable in my own skin. Even the smallest donation will mean a lot to me.
Heck, if a random guy can raise thousands of dollars for a grilled cheese sandwich, then maybe I can raise a few grand for my surgery.
Thanks for reading if you read this far. Best wishes to you.
Organizer
Michaela Torrez
Organizer
Fort Collins, CO