Help Chikawayolo with their top surgery!
Donation protected
Hi, this is Atava, a dear friend of Chikawayolo. I am asking for your help to support their non-binary gender-affirming top surgery. No donation is too small. Thanks for helping my friend! Here's Chicawayolo's message to you all:
Hello, Piyalli,
I am Chikawayolo (pr. Chick uh whaa YOL lo). I am 55 yrs old, I came “out” as gay/lesbian in 1981. As a BIPOC Two-Spirit Butch, to say, “Non-Binary” is empowering. I see my body as a braid of these Two Spirits becoming one genderless 3rd gender. And top surgery is that step towards that vision.
Due to (low-income) insurance obstacles, and ultimately being denied coverage for surgery, I didn’t think surgery was possible. My friend had mentioned Mexico. I went online and found an experienced surgeon, had my consultation, and will travel to Mexico for my surgery date in November 2023.
The surgery cost itself out of pocket is $3,450 USD, I used the very last of my savings towards this ($1,500) to hold my place, leaving me a balance of $1,150 USD which is required before my date, as well as many other expenses needed to make this go as smoothly as possible.
I am estimating a total of $7,000 to be my financial goal, which includes the following:
- Roundtrip travel for two (2) from Abq, NM, US to Zapopan, Jalisco, MX (including gas, flights, car rental & meals)
- First medical appointment before surgery with my Doctor
- Pre-op blood tests
- Pre-op evaluation by an internist (or cardiologist if necessary)
- Medications to take home
- Compression garment ($170 USD)
- Post-surgical therapies at Innova Spa
- Recovery center for two (2) weeks, double room
- Passport - I do not have a passport
- Homecare upon returning
- Whatever specialized care is needed upon return to NM: spa, physical therapist
Thank you for taking the time to read this request, how ever and whatever you can do to support is welcomed and appreciated. As I thank my dear friend Atava and many others for supporting me during this time.
Always,
Chikawayolo’tzin
(‘tzin’refers to Elder status in Mexica tradition)
Fundraising team (2)
Atava Garcia Swiecicki
Organizer
Albuquerque, NM
Chikawayolo MoMonaMonica
Team member