ACL reconstruction for Lincoln: covering what insurance won't

Lincoln was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in the right knee in November. The surgeon at Sheffield University Hospital recommended ACL reconstruction, and He is scheduled for February. The hospital's financial office gave us a written estimate of $9,500, and after what my employer's plan will pay we're still $4,800 short. my son has been in and out of Sheffield University Hospital since November. The doctors say osteoarthritis in the right knee will get worse without ACL reconstruction. We have emptied our savings and borrowed from relatives, but the estimate of $9,500 is more than we can find. While we wait, Lincoln struggles with daily life and can't climb stairs. 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 6 weeks. During that time Lincoln won't be able to climb stairs, so the costs keep growing. 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 $4,800 goes: • Travel and lodging for the family: $145 • Hospital stay (2 nights): $1,850 • Physiotherapy sessions: $460 • Surgeon and anesthesia fees: $2,050 • Pre-operative tests and imaging: $295 I never thought I'd be the one asking, and I'm grateful for every bit of support.