Samuels Surgery Fund

My name is Samuel and I am raising money for my Top surgery, also known as a double mastectomy.  I came out as a transgender man in May of 2018. I got so much support from family and friends which was surprising and heartwarming. I am very privileged to be able to be out as a trans man at my college, the University of Wisconsin - River Falls, and in my community. I have all of the social and emotional support I could ever ask for but asking for financial help is very hard. I have been hesitant to make a fundraiser for my surgery but I thought if I shared my story I might find support.  I am studying Art and Art education in college, getting my BFA in ceramics and Glass blowing. As time has gone on, my dysphoria has gotten a lot worse due to being unable to wear a binder during most of my classes. This is very distressing for me. I often can't wear it as I do a lot of heavy lifting and am around extreme heat so wearing a binder to work and class isn't an option. This affects my work as a student and as a professional negatively. This is why I am finally asking for help to get this surgery done, so I can finally be free of this pain and be able to be my best self.  I have been on testosterone for 8+ months now and have been saving up for top surgery during this time. It's going a lot slower than anticipated as I have to pay for my education and living needs. I have had 2 jobs all summer and have raised a lot but it's nowhere near enough sadly. If I was honest about the urgency of this procedure I'd say it is VERY urgent as having to deal and look at my body the way it is every day is making me distressed, depressed, and stopping me from doing a lot of the things I love to do. It's honestly painful every day. I had a consultation with Dr.Tholen from Minneapolis Plastic Surgery in February of this year. I decided on Dr.Tholen because of his results and his knowledge of the procedure. Unfortunately, he does not take insurance. Dr.Tholen recommended I get a Double Incision mastectomy and I also believe this is the option to get the best results for my body type. This surgery costs about $13,000 altogether. I am claiming through insurance and hopefully they will cover most of this cost but I believe it will only be about 60%.  I have saved up enough to cover transportation, aftercare funds, as well as some money for the actual surgery but that has taken me a long time.  My surgery date has now been scheduled for December 19th, 2019. The payment for $13,000 is due on December 5th, if I do not pay it then they will cancel my surgery.   Please consider donating or looking at my Instagram where I sell my art, @SamuelsCeramics. All the money I make selling my art also goes 100% to my surgery!