Hi Everyone! My name is Dash U. I am a 42 year old transman who is working to become my authentic self. I have been encouraged by friends and family to establish this LFEBridge page so that I can continue forward in my transition and finalize plans for 'top' surgery in the summer of 2016.I know summer 2016 is several months away, but the financial aspects of this surgery is proving to be my greatest barrier in this next step forward and I fear that I may never be able to take this next step on my own. Currently, I work two jobs, totaling around 70 hours/week. I do this so that I can be self-reliant and independent. Unfortunately, despite the long work weeks, the money earned from these two jobs is only enough to sustain myself, and leaves very little left over. The financial realities of this surgery are many. There are the medical expenses for the surgery, the travel/lodging expenses (the surgery will take place in my neighbor state) and the income lost due to a possible 6-8 weeks for recovery time.Yes, I said 6-8 weeks of lost income!!!! The recovery for 'top' surgery, a bilateral mastectomy, means that I will be unable to raise my arms above a certain height and will be limited in how much weight I can lift, and there is a great deal of lifting in my primary job. For the past sixteen years I have been in the school system, helping children with special needs. During the summer weeks, I work at a summer camp for children and adults with special needs. I enjoy my work and feel blessed to see my students and campers grow and learn each year, but my work responsibilities require a great deal of lifting to fully assist my students and campers.I know that there will be some who feel that there is no hurry to have this surgery, but 42 years is a LONG time to exist in a body that doesn't feel true to who I am. After much personal reflection, and the encouragement and support of family and friends, I am trying to give back to myself, to become the person on the outside that I have always been on the inside.If you are still reading this, THANK YOU!! If you can help me, THANK YOU!! If you are unable to donate, that is OK too, perhaps you would be willing to 'share' this, for which I say THANK YOU!!Finally, THANK YOU in advance to everyone who donates. Every penny helps and is sincerely appreciated, I am so grateful for your generosity.Dash
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