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Help Sarah Become Herself with Facial Feminization

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Hello,

My name is Sarah Griffith, and I hope to get facial feminization surgery. Facial feminization surgery, or FFS, is by far the most frequently and intensely desired surgical intervention among transgender women. It is a reconstructive procedure that reverses damage done by testosterone. I've experienced dysphoria and mental pain when I see my face since I was a teenager, and surgery will go a long way toward helping me accept and feel comfortable with my body. This is essential surgery for my mental health.

What I'm like:

I love sea creatures, bunnies, math, and silly jokes. I'm autistic. Here I am with the plush octopus Grapes that my partner got me:


Here I am with the plush stingray I just got (she is not yet named, I am taking suggestions. Maybe pancake?):


I also like to cook, and I LOVE spicy food, and I'm very fond of pretty bees and flowers.

My story:
I grew up poor and on food stamps in San Francisco, and was raised by a single mother. My father, an immigrant from Brazil, tried his best but struggled with substance abuse issues and was largely absent.

When I entered middle school, I started puberty and became crushingly depressed, largely due to gender dysphoria. As San Francisco became too expensive, we moved out to the broader Bay Area. Isolated in the countryside and largely nonfunctional, I completed less than two years of high school, and worked various jobs for several years.

Recognizing that I had to change, I eventually went to community college. I remember when the professor first explained the visual meaning of multiplying complex numbers: my head swam and I realized I was in love with math. I proceeded to transfer to Stanford to complete an undergraduate degree.

I'm studying for a PhD in mathematics at Brown, but I'm on temporary unpaid medical leave due to the sudden passing of my partner. Although I'm struggling right now, I know this is time I need to use to ensure my mental health is stable in the future. Making progress toward getting FFS is a key factor in this.

What the money will be used for:

I have a consultation scheduled in New York, in September of next year (it's a long waitlist). My employer's insurance does not cover this procedure, because Rhode Island does not mandate it. For this reason, I may have to pay all costs out of pocket. Even if I opt out of my employer's insurance and get the procedure covered under another plan, I expect to have significant out of pocket costs in addition to the cost of switching insurers.

Here is a breakdown of typical surgery costs for facial feminization surgery. The bottom line is that it can cost up to $50,000, not including travel and accommodation. I know that I will make this happen, but only with your help.

In the unlikely event that the funds exceed the costs of FFS, the remaining funds will go toward the cost of bottom surgery. This I know I can get covered by insurance, but again, there are significant out of pocket costs.

This is life changing surgery that I badly need. Any amount, even a small amount, that you can find to give to this will help me so, so much.

With love,

Sarah
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Donations 

  • Anonymous
    • $100 
    • 6 mos
  • Anonymous
    • $20 
    • 7 mos
  • Anonymous
    • $12 
    • 7 mos
  • Elena Gurvich
    • $100 
    • 8 mos
  • Steph O
    • $20 
    • 8 mos
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Organizer

Sarah Griffith
Organizer
Providence, RI

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