A craniotomy for Youssouf: covering what insurance won't

Youssouf was diagnosed with an aortic valve defect in August. The surgeon at Lille Community Hospital recommended a craniotomy, and He is scheduled for November. The hospital's financial office gave us a written estimate of $8,000, and after what my employer's plan will pay we're still $4,850 short. my son has been in and out of Lille Community Hospital since August. The doctors say an aortic valve defect will get worse without a craniotomy. We have emptied our savings and borrowed from relatives, but the estimate of $8,000 is more than we can find. While we wait, Youssouf struggles with daily life and can't work a full shift. 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 4 weeks. During that time Youssouf won't be able to work a full shift, so the costs keep growing. I'll pay the hospital and pharmacy directly and post every receipt in the updates section. Where the $4,850 goes: • Surgeon and anesthesia fees: $1,950 • Hospital stay (3 nights): $1,550 • Pre-operative tests and imaging: $360 • Post-operative medication: $160 • Physiotherapy sessions: $620 • Travel and lodging for the family: $210 If you're reading this, thank you.