Life-changing surgery

About a year and a half ago, I was inpatient at Saint Clair Hospital for severe mental health problems. I had reached rock bottom, and this was only one of many times throughout my life that this had happened. This time it was worse. This time I was going to get kicked out of my living situation because of how I was acting, and I had nowhere to go. It wasn’t until I had been through months of therapy, made some good friends, and had a good stable boyfriend, that I was finally able to figure out what was wrong with me. Looking back there were signs even as a child, but I was always shut down so I never pursued it further. For the first time in my life I had a great support network that could be with me every step of the way and I was able to come out as transgender. Starting testosterone was one of the best days of my life. As time went on, I gradually became more stable and more comfortable with myself. Seeing the changes that testosterone was giving me made me more confident and I feel better about myself every day. The people around me have noticed a big change for the better, and I would like to keep this upward trajectory by continuing my journey. In January, I have the chance to take the next step in my journey. I had a consult in August and I was able to schedule my top surgery for the very beginning of January in 2021. Unfortunately, the doctor that I found who is compassionate and treated me like a person rather than just a number is not in my network so I will be paying out-of-pocket. I need to raise $5000 for the surgery, $3500 for the OR and anesthesia, and another $1500 because I will need to take six weeks off of work in order to recover (there is nothing at my current job I will be allowed to do post-op), and I still need to pay bills during that time. I appreciate you taking the time to read my story! Everything helps. Can’t donate? I understand. Please share!