I received my RFF Phalloplasty surgical date of August 2nd with equal parts joy and anxiety. This surgery is something I've wanted all my life--even before I knew that such a surgery was possible I have always known the correct shape for my body. I have battled for the majority of my life with depression and crippling dysphoria and so it was with intense gratitude and hope that I accepted the date the Buncke Clinic offered me. But being trans is expensive: the co-pays for doctor's visits and hormones, hair removal for surgery, travel to trans-competent surgeons, and surgery itself. And while August 2nd can't come soon enough, it's also just about the worst possible time for me, work-wise. As a Registered Maine Guide, guided trips and tours in the summer make up the vast majority of my yearly income. A surgical date in early August effectively cuts my ability to Guide--and therefore my income-- in half. And that's where you come in! So where will the money go? How will I use the funds? The first $3,000 will pay the rest of my out-of-pocket maximum for my health insurance. The next $1,500 will cover round-trip flights for me and my caregiver. The last $3,000 will pay for groceries for four weeks of recovery, medical supplies, transportation to and from the hospital for my weekly post-op appointments, and help me start saving for Stages 2 and 3. To say this surgery is intense is an understatement. I will be hospitalized for five full days following surgery and must stay in the Bay Area for four weeks for post-operative checkups. And it's what I need to do to keep moving towards being whole. I am immensely grateful to my supportive community of family and friends, my therapist, my primary care doctor, and my surgical team. Even if you aren't able to support me financially, sharing this fundraiser, sending me a text or a card, or giving me a suggestion for my next must-binge show on Netflix all mean so much to me! From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Owen
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