A craniotomy for Joshua: covering what insurance won't

Joshua was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in the right knee in November. The surgeon at Saint Francis Hospital recommended a craniotomy, and He is scheduled for February. The hospital's financial office gave us a written estimate of $6,500, and after what the government subsidy will pay we're still $4,550 short. my son has been in and out of Saint Francis Hospital since November. The doctors say osteoarthritis in the right knee will get worse without a craniotomy. We have emptied our savings and borrowed from relatives, but the estimate of $6,500 is more than we can find. While we wait, Joshua struggles with daily life and can't climb stairs. His family has taken turns caring for him, and I've cut my own work hours to be there. The recovery period is expected to take about 3 weeks. During that time Joshua won't be able to climb stairs, so the costs keep growing. I'll pay the hospital and pharmacy directly and post every receipt in the updates section. Where the $4,550 goes: • Post-operative medication: $390 • Pre-operative tests and imaging: $580 • Surgeon and anesthesia fees: $3,580 I'll pay this kindness forward the moment I'm able to. - Nathan