A craniotomy for Sebastião: covering what insurance won't

In April I was diagnosed with an aortic valve defect. My surgeon at Santos Community Hospital recommended a craniotomy, and I have been placed on the schedule for June. The hospital's financial office gave me a written estimate of $3,950, and after what the public health scheme will pay, I'm still $2,750 short. Doctors at Santos Community Hospital told me an aortic valve defect will get worse without a craniotomy. I work as a restaurant cook, and I have saved what I can, but the estimate of $3,950 is far beyond what I've. Until the surgery I can't work full days, and my hours as a restaurant cook have already been cut. Every week of waiting means more pain and a bigger risk. The recovery period is expected to take about 10 weeks. I'll not be able to drive during that time, so this has become a financial emergency as well as a medical one. I'll pay the hospital and pharmacy directly and post every receipt in the updates section. Where the $2,750 goes: • Surgeon and anesthesia fees: $1,200 • Hospital stay (2 nights): $1,050 • Pre-operative tests and imaging: $80 • Post-operative medication: $100 • Physiotherapy sessions: $185 • Travel and lodging for the family: $135 Thanks for reading all this. - Sebastião