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A craniotomy for Sebastián: covering what insurance won't

Sebastián needs a craniotomy at Saint Anne Hospital and the family is $9,350 short of the hospital's estimate.

🇺🇸 United States4,361 views
Sebastián H. López
Email verified
Oakland
In August I was diagnosed with a thyroid nodule that needs removal. My surgeon at Saint Anne Hospital recommended a craniotomy, and I have been placed on the schedule for November. The hospital's financial office gave me a written estimate of $11,750, and after what the government subsidy will pay, I'm still $9,350 short. Doctors at Saint Anne Hospital told me a thyroid nodule that needs removal will get worse without a craniotomy. I work as a warehouse packer, and I have saved what I can, but the estimate of $11,750 is far beyond what I've. Until the surgery I can't work full days, and my hours as a warehouse packer have already been cut. Every week of waiting means more pain and a bigger risk. Recovery is expected to take about 12 weeks. I'll not be able to lift anything heavy 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 $9,350 goes: • Surgeon and anesthesia fees: $4,000 • Hospital stay (2 nights): $3,700 • Pre-operative tests and imaging: $490 • Post-operative medication: $185 • Physiotherapy sessions: $490 • Travel and lodging for the family: $485 I hope life is good to you. - Sebastián
due date
2026-11-05
bill type
Hospital invoice
#surgery#hospital-bills#recovery#medical

Updates from Sebastián

  1. Update from Oakland: I met with the hospital and confirmed the amounts. We're at 52% of the goal. Thank you for believing in us.

  2. Quick update: $3,101 raised so far (33%). I met with the hospital and confirmed the amounts. Receipts coming as soon as I have them. - Sebastián

  3. We're at 15% thanks to 35 of you. we've started the first stage. More news soon.

Donations

RecentTop gifts
  • Eliana H. Torres 🇨🇦 · $250

    “Thinking of you. Only $250 but hope it helps. - Gatineau”

  • Mauricio C. Espinoza 🇦🇷 · $250
  • Ochieng Okello Mwangi 🇹🇿 · $250
  • Papa Kwaku Tawiah 🇬🇭 · $200
  • Lanre Abubakar Okoro 🇳🇬 · $200
  • Santiago H. Robles 🇪🇸 · $200

    “Take care of yourselves. Only $200 but hope it helps. - Valencia”

  • Kato Kato Mbwambo 🇰🇪 · $200

    “Happy to help. This is from my last paycheck, glad to do it. - Thika”

  • Tithi Rima Ahmed 🇧🇩 · $100
  • Kiprop Musyoka Kiprop 🇰🇪 · $100

    “Rooting for you. Thought of Sebastián all day after reading this. - Eldoret”

  • Douglas L. Harvey 🇬🇧 · $100
  • Okello Kevin Lyimo 🇰🇪 · $100
  • Valérie Laura David 🇫🇷 · $100
  • Rami Belkacem 🇲🇦 · $100

    “Hope it all works out. Only $100 but hope it helps. - Marrakesh”

  • Henry B. Acosta 🇺🇸 · $100
  • Caleb S. May 🇺🇸 · $100

    “Get well soon. This is from my last paycheck, glad to do it. - Bronx”

  • Anonymous 🇲🇽 · $100

    “Happy to help. This is from my last paycheck, glad to do it. - Irapuato”

  • Pınar Kübra Çetin 🇹🇷 · $100

    “Every little bit. My colleague told me about this one. - Kadıköy”

  • Gabriella Freeman 🇺🇸 · $100

    “Be well. Thought of Sebastián all day after reading this. - Los Angeles”

  • Nathan S. Cohen 🇺🇸 · $100
  • Anonymous 🇯🇲 · $100

    “Rooting for you. Saw your post and had to give. - Half-Way Tree”

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Questions & comments

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  • Neha E. Bhosale

    Hang in there, Sebastián. I've been in a tough spot myself and it does get easier. Blessings.

    • Konjit Mihret Kassa

      So sorry you're going through this, Sebastián. Reading this made my day a bit heavier but I'm glad I did. Read this on the bus and kept thinking about it all day. Thinking of Oakland!

      • In-ho Min-jun OhPhoto verified

        best of luck, Sebastián. I've been in a tough spot myself and it does get easier. We had a similar scare last year, I know what it feels like. Blessings.

        • Anna H. McDaniel

          You're not alone, Sebastián. It takes guts to ask. Well done. I'll check back for the next update!

          • Fitria Rahayu Lie

            your post was clear and honest. Sent it to 35 people at work.

            • Sharon R. Morales

              Your post was clear and honest. We're a small family in Vancouver but we're thinking of you. Take care

              • Kateryna Zoya DmitrievPhoto verified

                Sending love, Sebastián. Hope the treatment goes smoothly and recovery is quick!

                • Pandu Ilham Pratama

                  Reading this made my day a bit heavier but I'm glad I did. After 11 years in social work I know how hard it's to ask for anything. Take care

                  • Peace Temitope Danjuma

                    Stay strong, Sebastián. It takes guts to ask. Well done. Don't lose heart. A few weeks ago I was in a hole too and it changed faster than I expected.

                    • Rima Shirin Howlader

                      Shared this with my family. Please keep us posted. Thinking of Oakland.

                      $7,498 raised of $9,350

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