Jada Ayala (she/her) of Illinois was selected for a Founders’ grant to receive gender affirming surgery with Dr. Peter Raphael. When asked why she is grateful to receive this grant, Jada shared, “Getting this surgery is so important to me because it will allow me to feel at home in my body. I can cultivate the acceptance within myself that others denied me growing up. I grew up in multiple foster home placements where I was emotionally, verbally, and physically abused because I am transgender. People who grow up in the foster system disproportionately end up in jail, struggle with substance abuse, and commit suicide. This is even more so for trans youth. I want this surgery to provide an example to other trans youth that they do not have to be another statistic, and to show that, against all odds, they can achieve their goals and there is always someone to support them along the way. After completing this surgery with the help of The Jim Collins Foundation, I can focus on my desire to give back to my community and create a space for people like me to feel safe, welcome, confident, and supported. The kind of space I wish I had when I was at the beginning of my transition and growing up.”