A craniotomy for Luis: covering what insurance won't

In April I was diagnosed with a deviated septum causing chronic infections. My surgeon at San Diego Orthopedic Institute recommended a craniotomy, and I have been placed on the schedule for July. The hospital's financial office gave me a written estimate of $5,250, and after what the public health scheme will pay, I'm still $3,700 short. Doctors at San Diego Orthopedic Institute told me a deviated septum causing chronic infections will get worse without a craniotomy. I work as a farm laborer, and I have saved what I can, but the estimate of $5,250 is far beyond what I've. Until the surgery I can't work full days, and my hours as a farm laborer have already been cut. Every week of waiting means more pain and a bigger risk. Recovery is expected to take about 7 weeks. I'll not be able to climb stairs during that time, so this has become a financial emergency as well as a medical one. The money goes straight to the treatment bills, and I'll share the invoices as they're paid so you can see exactly what your gift did. Where the $3,700 goes: • Travel and lodging for the family: $500 • Post-operative medication: $270 • Surgeon and anesthesia fees: $2,400 • Physiotherapy sessions: $530 Thanks for being kind about this. - Luis