Ky's Top Surgery Recovery Fund

Hello friends,

My name is Ky (he/him), and I'm a 24-year-old trans man. I am thrilled to share some exciting news with you—I've been waiting for this moment for what feels like forever, and I am finally scheduled to have top surgery on March 4, 2024—just one month away!

The picture on the left is me at summer camp, 13 years old, dressing up “like-a-boy”---blissfully unaware of what the future holds for me. I came to New York City at 18 in order to live freely as myself. It has been a long difficult journey to get here but now it is time for me to take another big step into becoming who I am, and I need your help.

I hesitated to reach out for support because I know there are so many people facing challenges, but after some encouragement from friends, I've decided to ask for help. So, here we are.

I work at Callen-Lorde, a non-profit LGBTQ health center, where I am committed to supporting our community. While I am grateful to be financially independent, my income doesn't leave much room for savings, making it nearly impossible to prepare for unexpected expenses.

I am fortunate to have health insurance covering the surgery itself, but I need your support to ensure my rent is covered and I have enough to eat during the recovery period. I have managed to save $1,000 through careful budgeting and home-cooked meals.

Here's a breakdown of the funds I am raising:

Weeks off work: 6 weeks

Total needed: $2,371

These funds will cover necessary bills for the month, including:

Rent: $865/month

Therapy: $460 for 6 weeks

Electric: $20/month

Heat/gas: $20/month

Wi-Fi: $30/month

Groceries: $450 for 6 weeks

Student Loans: $226/month

Cat Food/Litter (2 Cats): $300 for 6 weeks

I'm reaching out because I'm genuinely terrified that I won't be able to make ends meet during my recovery. Even working full-time and overtime, I can barely cover my expenses, and being out of work for several weeks adds an extra layer of financial strain.

I've been diligently saving for nearly a year, but I'm nowhere close to my $3,000 goal. Any amount you can contribute will go a long way in helping me through this challenging time.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. If you're unable to donate, please consider sharing this with your friends and community. Your prayers and well-wishes for a speedy recovery are also greatly appreciated.

Thank you for considering, and any donation, no matter how small, means the world to me.

With gratitude,

Ky (he/him)