Maren's Top Surgery Fund

Hi there!

I'm Maren, a 19 year-old transgender guy living in Boston, Massachusetts.

I have chest dysphoria which limits the way I present myself in public. When I go out, even to the store or just to be with friends, I am often wearing a chest binder. I've been out as trans for years now, and even with recommended and safe binders, the compression still wears on my body. At this point, it is a daily nuisance. I am in pain almost constantly, and prolonged binding could lead to bruised ribs, deformation, or the inability to ever get this surgery. This surgery being top surgery where fat is removed and contoured to look masculine. It's different from mastectomies performed on cancer patients, and because of that it's sometimes not covered by insurance.

After years of binding and a journey through medical care, I am finally in a place to get top surgery--but there's a problem. I'm a college student with a federally-funded work-study job, multiple loans, and necessities to pay for. It would take a long time for me to save for this surgery on my own. I reasonably don't have that time anymore. For the most part this is covered by my insurance, however there are cosmetic fees for the particular surgeon I'm going with.

With groceries, supplies, and other necessities on my plate, it's difficult for me to save up when I am expecting to put down $500 just to book surgery. Wait times are apparently not too long, which is wonderful, but I don't have the funds to book a surgery date in the first place. I'm planning on booking for some time this school year in Boston so I don't have to travel--between Winter or Spring of 2020. The combination of roommates, current residence, and medical necessity makes the best time to get my surgery as soon as possible. All that stands in my way is affording it. 

Your donations and shares are very meaningful and I am especially grateful to those able to contribute. Every little bit helps! Other ways you can help include donating to the Trevor Project , a hotline dedicated to preventing suicide among LGBT Youth, or Point of Pride , an organization that supports the funding of surgeries like these.

Thank you so much for reading and considering your support.