The Gryff Shop

From Survival to Stability: My Plea for Help in a Time of Crisis

Despite facing lifelong, mostly invisible disabilities—including chronic pain, autism, ADHD, and a traumatic brain injury— I’ve worked hard for over 15 years as a trainer, helping pets, people, and training service dogs for others in the disabled community. I’ve always strived to be self-reliant and give back to society, but now, I need your help to survive and rebuild.

My Story

Three years ago, I made the life-changing decision to transition from female to male. This journey has been deeply fulfilling but also brought significant challenges, including a painful divorce that neither my ex nor I planned on. While my ex has always been supportive of my transition, the reality of it ultimately led to the end of our marriage. Despite this, I’ve worked hard to rebuild my life.

In an attempt to save money, I moved into an RV, but it quickly became unlivable due to exceptionally poor construction (the floor wasn't even attached). This led to the repossession of both the RV and the truck, leaving me homeless for a few months before I could save enough to get a small apartment. During this time, I’ve also faced increased hostility due to the growing anti-trans sentiment in the United States. To protect myself, I must bind my chest six days a week, which has caused severe physical damage to my ribs, exacerbated by a condition that makes my joints and connective tissues overly flexible. I need surgery to correct this before it leads to catastrophic internal injuries.

The Importance of a Service Dog

For over a decade, I have depended on a service dog to assist me with essential daily tasks, including:

1. Momentum Pulling: Helping me move when my chronic pain and joint issues make it difficult to do so on my own.

2. Item Retrieval: Picking up objects from the floor, which is challenging due to my mobility issues.

3. Deep Pressure Therapy (DPT): Providing relief during muscle spasms and  anxiety attacks by applying pressure to my body, which calms my nervous system.

4. Support in Public: Offering skilled assistance during severe anxiety episodes, helping to prevent panic attacks and manage my PTSD symptoms, carrying items

 Service Dog Task Video 1  Service Dog Tasks Video 2

Unfortunately, my last two potential service dogs were unable to meet the rigorous standards required for public service, and my previous service dog, Reilly, is aging and can no longer perform these tasks reliably. Without a fully capable service dog, I’ve had to rely on paying others for help with daily tasks, which has drained my limited resources. While I do some work when I can, I’m unable to maintain steady employment and am barely scraping by to keep myself and my dogs fed.

Why I Need Your Help

I’ve found a surgeon in Seattle willing to perform the necessary surgery despite the complexities of my multiple medical conditions. However, insurance won’t cover this surgery, and I need $12,500 to secure it. I must act quickly to avoid losing this rare opportunity. Moving to Portugal has also become essential for my survival. The country offers strong legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals, accessible healthcare, a lower cost of living, and a supportive community that aligns with my needs as an autistic person.

This isn’t just about getting by; without these three critical things—surgery, a service dog, and a place where I can live sustainably and safely—I’m constantly at risk, and it could become fatal at any moment.

The Financial Breakdown

To make these life-saving changes and secure my surgery, I need to raise approximately $27,000. This amount covers the costs of surgery, post-surgery care, training a new service dog, and relocating to Portugal. Here’s the breakdown:

Top Surgery: $12,500

Post-Surgery Care: $1,500

Service Dog & Training: $6,000

Moving Costs: $6,895

How You Can Help

Your support—whether through a donation, purchasing merchandise, or simply following and sharing my journey —will make a significant difference in my life. Here’s how you can help:

1. Direct Donations: You can donate directly below or through my Cash App at $Griffindanvers. Unlike other platforms,100% of the proceeds go directly to me.

2. Merchandise: I’ve designed canine weight pull-themed clothing and created a guide to UKC weight pull (coming soon!), available for purchase. I also offer personalized items for those interested in custom designs.https://gryff-shop.fourthwall.com/

3. Follow and Share: I’m close to reaching 5,000 followers on TikTok, which will unlock additional income opportunities through product sales. Following and sharing my content is a free and impactful way to help. TikTok: @ontheflipside88

4. Be Part of the Journey by joining this website community, where I share updates and connect with supporters. 

Why This Matters

This is more than just a request for financial support—it’s about securing the surgery, service dog, and move to Portugal that I need to survive. These will allow me to reduce my pain, regain the ability to work, and give back to society once more. The surgery will eliminate the life-threatening risks I face each day, while a new service dog will help manage my disabilities. Moving to Portugal is essential for a sustainable cost of living and access to the supportive community, healthcare, and climate I need.

Your support isn’t just improving my life—it’s saving it and giving me the chance to contribute back to society once more.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for considering a donation or other support. Together, we can make these life-saving changes possible.

Warm regards,

Griffin