Ripley's Post-Top Surgery Recovery Fund

Heyo!

I'm Ripley (they/he), and I'm raising money to help cover the cost of living while I recover from my top surgery.

My surgery date is February 7th, 2024.

This is something that I've wanted for years and years. I remember having dreams as young as 16 about gender reassignment surgery, but I didn't have the vocabulary to describe what I was feeling, nor did I have a community that understood. In the twenty years since, my teenage revelations have only grown stronger. I know who I am and I know what I want (and I want these things gone!)

Why surgery? Why not bind?

This is an important question. Surgery difficult, expensive, and painful. But so is binding! Simply wearing standard sports bras causes me painful, swollen cysts in my armpits. I've only found relief going without them which is unacceptable in many settings.

Why am I raising funds?

I am a full-time freelance cartoonist who also works a physically demanding part-time job on the weekends. Therefore I don't have vacation time and I hardly have sick pay. I may or may not qualify for Oregon Paid Leave, though even if I do I may not get any sort of payment until months after returning to work. The money I am raising would cover the cost of living (rent, utilities, food, medication, transportation, etc.) while I am out of work for eight weeks, an extended recovery time compared to most due to the physical nature of my part-time job. It would also cover whatever up-front medical costs I may be billed.

A cost breakdown (estimates):

Total: $3,000!

I have savings set aside that will help cover the necessities, I wont starve or be homeless, but some extra funds will guarantee a healthy recovery and smooth healing, and help float me if it takes longer for me to get back on my feet!

Other ways you can help:

Thanks for reading and for your love and support.

<3 Ripley