A partial thyroidectomy for Annelies: covering what insurance won't

Annelies was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in the right knee in June. The surgeon at Utrecht University Hospital recommended a partial thyroidectomy, and She is scheduled for September. The hospital's financial office gave us a written estimate of $13,000, and after what my insurance will pay we're still $7,750 short. my mother has been in and out of Utrecht University Hospital since June. The doctors say osteoarthritis in the right knee will get worse without a partial thyroidectomy. We have emptied our savings and borrowed from relatives, but the estimate of $13,000 is more than we can find. While we wait, Annelies struggles with daily life and can't look after the children alone. Her family has taken turns caring for her, and I've cut my own work hours to be there. The recovery period is expected to take about 3 weeks. During that time Annelies won't be able to look after the children alone, so the costs keep growing. I'll pay the hospital and pharmacy directly and post every receipt in the updates section. Where the $7,750 goes: • Surgeon and anesthesia fees: $3,200 • Hospital stay (4 nights): $2,900 • Pre-operative tests and imaging: $710 • Post-operative medication: $290 • Physiotherapy sessions: $500 • Travel and lodging for the family: $150 Even a small gift gets used right away and I'll thank you myself. - Kees