Hi! I am undergoing a prophylactic (preventative) bilateral mastectomy on 2/26/25. As someone who has inherited a BRCA1 mutation from my mother (who passed away from its impact on her body), this is a highly recommended surgery to prevent disease (cancer). My risk of developing breast cancer will decrease from 70-80% to about 2-3% after this surgery. I am also choosing to undergo gender-affirming care and will have breast and nipple reconstruction. Due to limited services found in Durango, the surgery and reconstruction are taking place in Colorado Springs at UC Health facilities. Colorado Springs is 5.5 hours away from our house and therefore we have rented an AirBnB for the 3 weeks following the surgery to accommodate for post-surgery appointments, initial healing time, and to allow for a couple of family members to stay with us and help.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ASKING HOW YOU CAN HELP OR FOR FINDING YOURSELF HERE!

How you can help:

VENMO | @Sara-Aranda-3

PAYPAL | relivingdreams@hotmail.com

Donate funds to help offset the costs of food, medical bills, our AirBnB, our home bills back in Durango while we’re away, etc. Venmo and PayPal are the most convenient services for me. If you require something else, please ask. Below are some examples of costs:

AirBnb total cost: $2,390.33

Projected medical bills: $3,800

Durango mortgage plus heating bill to keep house from freezing during absence: $1,921

Items to purchase pre & post surgery (i.e. clothing that will accommodate my inability to raise my arms, antibacterial soap, wound/scar care supplies, etc): $200

MAILING GIFTS/CARDS

Ask Patrick or me for the best shipping address.

LOCAL TO CO SPRINGS AND WANT TO VISIT/DROP OFF A MEAL?

• Dropping off a meal/snacks would be absolutely amazing! Choose a day on our Meal Train calendar here. The Meal Train info also lists my dietary sensitivities/preferences. PLEASE DO NOT USE MEAL TRAIN TO DONATE MONEY OR BUY GIFT CARDS. They take an absurd amount in fees. See above for Venmo and PayPal info. Text Patrick or me for AirBnb address.
• I will be limiting my contact with others to avoid getting sick while I am healing. But, as we near the end of our AirBnB stay in March (we check out March 16th), I will likely be able to visit more, so feel free to ask.

Thank you, again! I appreciate your help so, so much!