Lucas's Top Surgery!

Note: If you don't like giving away money, which I understand, perhaps consider commissioning me, instead! I do cartoons, illustrations, and pet portraits! Check out my portfolio: https://lcoleary1.wixsite.com/portfolio

Hello there visitors!! I'm excited that you've come to learn about my cause.  Let me introduce myself:

My name is Lucas, I'm 26, from Newfoundland, Canada. I'm adventurous and outdoorsy, often hiking, wandering the labyrinth of tight streets and alleys in St John's, or digging around in old abandoned places! I love taking cool pictures of the places I explore. I'm a huge lover of nature and animals, enjoying digging my feet into the grass or bird watching. When the weather is bad, I like to sit down with a good book or video game, or play piano.

I am extremely passionate about art of all kinds, and I'm currently a part time artist - you may have seen my art on instagram or Tumblr ! I draw and paint all kinds of things, but people seem to enjoy my lighthearted LGBT cartoons and comics the most. I will be going to school for Graphic Design in Toronto in the fall, and, most importantly, on October 16th, 2018, I will be getting chest reconstruction surgery!!!! 

[UPDATE: The surgery has been postponed to spring 2018, but the cost has gone down from 9k to 2k. Read updates for more info!]

I was born female, and battled with a constant, seemingly sourceless anxiety all my life. In my young adulthood, this turned into serious depression and episodes of physical anxiety that I felt without having a thought or reason to it. I just woke up with it sometimes. I felt 'wrong' and 'out of place' in many social situations, without really knowing why. It made it difficult to meet people, go places, or try new things. So I was extremely introverted and often isolated myself. I didn't take care of my mind or body. Finding pictures of myself before transitioning is very difficult, because I didn't do much and I hated being in photos. 

I saw doctors, therapists, stress management classes, and continued to spiral. I fell into the hands of a gender therapist, and she taught me the words for the feelings I've had inside me this whole time. I socially transitioned to 'Lucas' and used male pronouns, and I LOVED wearing my first binder and well fitting male clothing! I started feeling comfortable in my own skin, even though I looked like an awkward 12 year old!

I saw her for 6 months, and started testosterone on June 06, 2015. It made massive, almost unexpected improvements to my mental health. My no-reason anxiety disappeared within months. 

I have more energy and confidence. I'm more extroverted and social. I can talk to people easier, and stand up for myself better. I find myself able to tackle more difficult projects without snapping under pressure. I care more about myself, my body and my health. I eat better and work out. I actually like looking at myself in a mirror, and I am much more happy and willing to take selfies!

It's clear to me that this is my path to a better future. 

[ 'Dysphoria' - self portrait]

Presently, I've been wearing a chest binder for 3 years. I experience a great deal of chest dysphoria, and having surgery will give me the ability to function better on a day to day basis.

Dysphoria is a difficult illness to deal with, and it's a shame treatment of it isn't more available. I have been trying to get this done through the public system since I started testosterone.

Newfoundland is one of the only few places that require I go through Cam H in Toronto for assessment. And that's exactly what I did. Only to find out that my coverage only extends to two public doctors who have never performed a ftm chest surgery, which is an alarming thought. For the last year, I've been waiting to see if they would expand coverage, and they keep saying 'it's going to happen soon!' but I can't wait anymore.

I struggle with back pain, overheating, and acne/rashes from wearing a chest binder. I'm scared in locker rooms. I'm scared outside in public spaces. I can't go swimming. Dating is nerve wrecking. And I'm tired of fighting the dysphoria. I just can't wait anymore! The difference Testosterone made on my mental and physical health was impressive. I know that this surgery will boost me up even more - I already feel like I've evolved from a depressive deadbeat to a semi-functional human being; after top surgery I'm sure to be a super star!!

Given that I'll be moving to Toronto, starting College, and getting a surgery all at once come Fall 2018, I could really use some assistance from friends, family and allies. I fully intend on returning the favour tenfold when I am finally in a strong, stable place. Every single dollar is greatly appreciated, and will go towards funding the top surgery, hotel and travel costs, and the cost of post-surgery care!! If for whatever reason I manage to get an excess of funding, I will donate the extra to other surgery funds!

Thank you so much for reading and if you can't donate, a 'like' or a 'share' on facebook or any social media will be just as helpful!