Top Surgery

I'm Sam (they/them) and I've been wanting gender affirming surgery for the last 15 years . My surgery date is scheduled for December 30th and I need your help to make this a reality!

I'll be having a more complicated procedure and will have to stay overnight in the hospital. I'll go through a two month recovery period where I'll be out of work and pretty immobile...and then I'll have a body that I feel comfortable in for the first time in my life.

I waited to get top surgery because I'd been told so often as a teenager that I might regret it. This past winter, I realized I regret not presenting in line with my gender identity and that I've identified as trans for over half of my life...probably not a phase. I began Hormone Replacement Therapy in January, 2016. Since then, I'm happier and more comfortable than I've ever been. I feel like myself for the first time in my life.

With living more authentically, I've become more aware of my body and have stopped ignoring my torso, entirely. I began wearing a binder again this past winter which helped the intense dysphoria I feel relating to my chest. The inherent health risks, though, are pretty unbelievable. Every time I wear my binder, I'm read as male so I wear it whenever I'm out in public. This is not a sustainable solution.

Due to a loophole in my insurance, I can get top surgery for $6,000 less if I get it by the end of 2016. I've quit smoking, began working out and eating better for a quicker recovery, and have saved up a few thousand dollars to get the ball rolling.

I still need help raising funds for the portion of the procedure the insurance won't cover and for my recovery time.

If I exceed my goal out don't end up needing all the funds raised, the remainder will be donated to TPAN, the local harm reduction organization providing assistance to those living with HIV and raising awareness about HIV/AIDS.

My final appointment before my surgery date is December 19th. I'll need to raise enough funds by then. It would mean the world to me if you'd help me realize my surgery goal by donating or sharing this page.  

Thank you for reading and helping in any way you can.

<3
Sam

Oh, and get a tissue - here's a letter my mom wrote for my fundraiser:

"Hi. I’m Sam’s Mom, Raeven. l wanted to start or be part of a go fund me page for Sam’s top surgery. Sam came to visit me a few months ago and went on a 30 mile bike ride. Wearing the binder added discomfort and pain to what was supposed to be fun on a vacation day. Being short of breath during daily activities is just one concern I have about binding. I know getting bruised ribs is expected and breaking ribs is a very real possibility.

I’ve seen Sam suffer from dysphoria when not binding, and that is even worse. So when I think of next spring and summer, after the surgery, and I imagine Sam biking, swimming, hiking, or just having a cup of coffee with me freely I smile and feel joyful.

Sam is normally on the giving side when help is needed. They have always cared about, volunteered, supported, been an advocate, and an activist for animals, people, and causes that need a voice.  I had a birthday surprise last year when Sam donated money in my name to a legal fund during some protests. If you know Sam, you probably know of at least a few groups that Sam has helped that are an important piece of their life.

When Sam was 15, we talked about top surgery. Not being able to help financially, I said I would change their drains and take care of them when that day came.  Now, 16 years later, I'll be able to help them recover while I stay with Sam for as long as I’m needed.

I think that if a person feels their time on this planet should be used to help others and make the world a better place, when they need help it happens. So thank you in advance.  The result will not just be that this will change Sam’s life, let them flourish, and live authentically- but also, how far Sam will soar.

Thank you,

Raeven Lenser"

To read more about my medical transition, click here for my Tumblr blog!