Hi, my name is Ollie!
I moved to Buffalo, NY two years ago to pursue my education and study in the field of Nursing. Moving all the way from San Antonio, Texas was a huge change for me. I wanted to get out of a harsh political environment and start my life all over again.
Moving to New York was probably one of the best decisions I could have ever made for myself. I joined different LGBTQ+ programs, and I feel more comfortable expressing myself. However, I crave to express myself in ways that I physically cannot. I officially came out as trans around 12 years old, and I have always wanted top surgery ever since learning about it.
When I was a kid, I used to visit the beach almost every week. I loved being in the water and going out in the sun. Now, I hesitate when it comes to the beach or pool. I always say "Uhh maybe," or decline because of the fact that I'm not able to swim in the attire I wish to swim in.
Getting top surgery will help me tremendously with my mental health and finally feeling comfortable in my body. I would always use binders to conceal my chest, and then finding out about flared ribs absolutely scared me. So, I have been resorting to using tape as a binding method. But I'm sure for those out there who tape, or know about tape, it's not the most comfortable thing. I have many scars and blisters covering my body from relying on this method. Knowing that the political climate is changing rapidly, I want to be able to get this surgery as soon as possible while I'm still able to.
Finances as an out-of-state college student, living strictly on my own with a kid (in the photo above), have definitely brought me challenges. Trying to pay off tuition and other living expenses has been a struggle for me after being laid off from my job. I just want to live my life comfortably without the stress of financial pressures holding me back. I have almost enough money to pay off my tuition, primarily from selling my belongings and relying on quick cash methods like DoorDash. I'm just a hair away from being able to stay in school, and starting this GoFundMe was a last-resort action.
My insurance covers almost nothing for gender affirming care, so all of this will have to be paid out of pocket.
Any support helps; please share this with family and friends to help me reach my goal!
