Ashok's valve repair surgery can't wait - please help us cover the bill

In April I was diagnosed with a thyroid nodule that needs removal. My surgeon at Saint Luke Hospital recommended valve repair surgery, and I have been placed on the schedule for June. The hospital's financial office gave me a written estimate of $1,200, and after what the public health scheme will pay, I'm still $600 short. Doctors at Saint Luke Hospital told me a thyroid nodule that needs removal will get worse without valve repair surgery. I work as a school bus driver, and I have saved what I can, but the estimate of $1,200 is far beyond what I've. Until the surgery I can't work full days, and my hours as a school bus driver have already been cut. Every week of waiting means more pain and a bigger risk. Rehabilitation is expected to take about 4 weeks. I'll not be able to drive during that time, so this has become a financial emergency as well as a medical one. 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 $600 goes: • Hospital stay (2 nights): $450 • Travel and lodging for the family: $30 • Pre-operative tests and imaging: $75 • Post-operative medication: $45 Thank you for reading my story.