Hi, my name is LB. I am reaching out to share a deeply personal and transformative journey of mine, and I am hopeful that you will join me in making this dream a reality. For as long as I can remember, my chest has been the center of my body dysphoria, contributing significantly to my struggles with self-esteem, mental health, and substance use disorder (SUD). Throughout the years, I coped by restricting my chest, which has taken a toll on my physical health (namely, persistent back pain and respiratory issues). I lost my job and health insurance during the pandemic. Since then, I have been working as a contractor, experiencing a significant decrease in income. I have explored various avenues for financial assistance, including applying for grants to fund the surgery. Unfortunately, I have faced rejection, leaving me with limited options to pursue the care I need and deserve. The funds I am seeking will contribute to the consultation and the actual surgery itself, both of which are scheduled in San Francisco. Additionally, any leftover funds will be instrumental in supporting my cost of living during the recovery period. I am diligently working and saving every penny, but this is a significant financial investment, and I am humbly reaching out for your support. Your contribution, no matter the size, will play a crucial role in helping me achieve this life-changing milestone. I am immensely grateful for any support you can provide, whether it be through a financial contribution or by sharing my story within your network. Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for considering being a part of this transformative chapter in my life. I'm excited to share updates - big and small - with you along the way. With gratitude, LB