A craniotomy for Simiyu: covering what insurance won't

Simiyu was diagnosed with a thyroid nodule that needs removal in April. The surgeon at Saint Elizabeth Hospital recommended a craniotomy, and He is scheduled for June. The hospital's financial office gave us a written estimate of $290, and after what my employer's plan will pay we're still $200 short. my son has been in and out of Saint Elizabeth Hospital since April. The doctors say a thyroid nodule that needs removal will get worse without a craniotomy. We have emptied our savings and borrowed from relatives, but the estimate of $290 is more than we can find. While we wait, Simiyu struggles with daily life and can't stand for more than ten minutes. His family has taken turns caring for him, and I've cut my own work hours to be there. Recovery is expected to take about 4 weeks. During that time Simiyu won't be able to stand for more than ten minutes, so the costs keep growing. I'll pay the hospital and pharmacy directly and post every receipt in the updates section. Where the $200 goes: • Physiotherapy sessions: $95 • Travel and lodging for the family: $45 • Pre-operative tests and imaging: $60 Please ask me anything in the questions section. I'll answer honestly and quickly. - Hellen