Maitri Compassionate Care

No one should have to suffer, transition or die alone.

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Your donation allows Maitri to expand our compassionate care to people living with HIV/AIDS and going through gender affirmation surgeries -- even after they leave our program. The Maitri Affirmation Center (MAC) will expand our gender affirmation program from one room to three. We will provide pre- and post-operative care that includes 24-hour nursing care, social work case management, mental health support food and nutrition at our residential care facility. 

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Wanda came to Maitri after a life changing spinal injury stole her independence and left her reliant on others for every task. Wanda was left not just physically vulnerable, but emotionally adrift. Her inability to care for herself cast a heavy shadow, leading her to withdraw and isolate herself in her room.

At Maitri, though, we know that healing is more than just physical. Our interdisciplinary care team saw Wanda’s spirit dimming and knew that she needed support to shine bright again. And as most stories at Maitri, it began with a meal. Maitri’s social worker invited her to the dining room for lunch one day. That one meal changed everything. It helped Wanda find her community and know that Maitri was her safe space.

Over the next six months, with unwavering patience and lots of hard work, Wanda started to recover her mobility. But something more profound was happening. Wanda was building a community of support and, for the first time in her life, connecting with other transgender people.

"This is the best feeling ever! I'm so grateful I got to come to Maitri"

As her physical strength returned, so did her dreams. Once she could get around herself, she told her care team she was ready: “I want to get top surgery.”

But there was a hurdle, Wanda had been a long-time smoker and would have to quite before she was approved for her surgery. But what might have been a breaking point for some, was just a challenge for Wanda.

With support from her Maitri family, Wanda did it! And a few months later, she was approved for her top surgery.

The day Wanda returned to Maitri after her surgery, her transformation was breathtaking. At lunch, beaming with joy, she held her chest exclaiming, “This is the best feeling ever!”

Today, you’ll find Wanda holding court in the dining room during meals. The social butterfly finally has her wings, Her laughter and positive spirit are contagious, and she encourages other to engage in everything Maitri has to offer.

Now that she’s recovered from her top surgery, Wanda is considering the next steps on her gender affirmation journey. She knows that whatever may come, Maitri is in her corner, helping her.

As her primary care doctor said, “I’ve never seen someone take advantage of all of the services available to her like Wanda. I’m glad she’s at Maitri!”

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Your generosity is what makes us capable to do this for Wanda. You are along with Wanda and so many others on their road to recovery. We are so thankful for your help and are so grateful to our "Sangha," community of friends and family, who help us reach our mission that no one has to suffer, transition or die alone.