Help Sammy Birdwell Achieve Life-Changing Top Surgery

Sammy Yeets His Teets...FINALLY!

Hi friends, family, and kind strangers!

My name is Sammy Birdwell (he/they), a 39-year-old trans-masc nonbinary person living in Plano, Texas—a state that's working hard to erase the rights of myself and my trans siblings. I began my medical transition in 2021, and now I need your help to complete the next important step: top surgery.

My surgery is scheduled for December 6th, 2024, but I need to raise $8,000 or more by November 6th to cover the full cost. Initially, my insurance covered the surgery, but a change in July means it no longer does, so I have to pay out of pocket. The surgery costs $6,000, with anesthesia and hospital costs adding another $2,000 to $3,000.

I was laid off last December and didn’t start my new job until September. Since I won’t have PTO until February, I may need extra funds to live on during my recovery.

Top surgery is life-changing for me, both physically and mentally. It will allow me to finally live as the version of myself I see in my head every day—the version that feels authentic and free. My baby hairs are starting to show up on and under my chin, and feeling my baby beard growing always brings me immense comfort on hard days. As I write this, I’m thankful to be on testosterone, which makes me feel strong within my body—something Lupus has taken from me over the years.

Your support will help me take this critical step toward aligning my body with my true self and easing the burden I’ve carried for so long. I know it’s a short time frame, and I wish I’d started sooner, but I’ve been stubborn about putting myself out there and asking for help.

I’ve been managing Lupus since college, and after years of being on steroids, I’ll finally stop taking them by the end of October. I’m deeply grateful to my rheumatologist, Dr. Sackler, who recently retired, and my new rheumatologist, Dr. Rampure, for their continued support. I also want to thank my therapist, Miriam Kolni, who has been instrumental in helping me heal and getting me mentally ready for this surgery.

As I take this critical step in my life, I can’t help but wish that my younger older brother, Fletcher, was here to see me. I miss him deeply, and I know he would have been proud of the person I’ve become.

I’m asking for your help, whether through a financial contribution, sharing my story, or simply sending positive vibes my way. Thank you for your kindness and support as I take this life-changing step.

With love and gratitude,

Sammy Birdwell

(he/they)