A Personal One · 2:48pm Dec 21st, 2023
To my dear readers,
Good day to you, and I hope you are well. 
2023 is coming to a close, and boy what a year it's been...
Though I don't know your own experiences this year, mine have certainly been wild; from losing my Google Account & YouTube channel by way of a bot hack, to developing flu-induced pneumonia and almost dying, my 2023 has been utterly mental. 😵
Above all else, the biggest occurrence surrounds my husband Phoenix, and his ongoing transition.
As explained in a previous blog, and featured in the Firebird chapters, my husband is trans.
However, one thing I've not explained, is that although the Phoenix Storm character in my story was introduced as fully-transitioned, in actuality, my Phoenix only began his journey two years ago, coming out to me in private shortly before Christmas.
Now, two years onward, he is at last on HRT, and only very recently, has been booked in for chest surgery in April next year. This is of course, very daunting for me as a husband, as there are many possible complications that can occur.
An equally daunting aspect, is the cost.
At a flat sum of £7500 ($9500 USD), the surgery is certainly not cheap. This doesn't even cover the additional costs of transport to the hospital, or the overnight stays there in case of any post-op complications. Factoring that in, we're looking more towards £8000+.
Being an autistic couple unable to work regular jobs, this hasn't been an easy sum to accumulate, and we've had to cut a lot of corners in life to make it work, including forgoing Christmas presents this year (don't tell him, but I still got him something 😏).
Now, getting down to brass tacks...
To more comfortably afford this momentous part of our lives as a couple, we have put together a fundraiser on GoFundMe, in the hopes that those more fortunate than ourselves may aid in our journey, helping us attain a less stressful position.
As suggested by one of my readers, I'm making a blog post to share my story and situation, and to provide a link to the fundraiser. I would like to make it perfectly clear, however, that this is NOT a mere beg for cash. Under normal circumstances, I would NEVER ask for this kind of thing. Alas, these are not normal circumstances, and so here we are.
I hope that all makes sense and doesn't come across as disingenuous or superficial.
The last thing I want is to appear like I'm asking for a hand-out - that's not the kind of person I am.
The ethos is very simple, if you have nothing to give, please do not. I only ask that you share this with people you know that are in a comfortable enough position to make a donation.
So, with all that said and done, all I want for Christmas, is for a little taste of Rarity's generosity.
It really would go a long way, and for my husband and I, it will be going to a life-changing cause.
As far as this situation goes, every penny really does count.
Thank you for taking the time to read this, and I wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas.
Here's the link to the fundraiser...
--> Help the Firebird Fly <--
Please share it around, but please only give what you can, and not a penny more.
I genuinely hope your 2024 is full of life, laughter, and happiness.
Oh, and you can expect the next chapter of The Titans' Orb: Breaking Dawn on the 10th of January!
That's all for now.
As always, much love,
- Callum 
i'm sorry, but i'm not gonna help with the GoFundMe, (you never know what'll happen doing the transactions,) but i do wish both of you luck and a Marry Christmas and a Happy New Year, and we'll see you in 2024 Callum.
I really, truly do hope the best for you, and your Firebird. I hope his transition goes smoothly, and you two get to live your lives the way you want to. Merry Christmas, and an early Happy New Year!
5760075
The GoFundMe is linked directly to my bank so all donations explicitly go directly to us and our cause, but either way, I wholly appreciate your concern and totally understand if you feel uncomfortable donating there.
As stated in the blog, I would be thankful if you can share it at least.
I'm happy to accept donations via PayPal for a more direct method, if that's at all of interest.
One way or another, I'm really thankful for you taking the time to read my blog post, and I thank you for your kind words. I hope you have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year as well, and I can't wait to start 2024 with you. 💜
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Thank you so much for this comment, it was really sweet to read.
I wish you a very Merry Christmas yourself, and a Happy New Year also!