Brandon's spinal decompression surgery can't wait - please help us cover the bill

In August I was diagnosed with an aortic valve defect. My surgeon at Houston University Hospital recommended spinal decompression surgery, and I have been placed on the schedule for October. The hospital's financial office gave me a written estimate of $10,500, and after what my employer's plan will pay, I'm still $5,200 short. Doctors at Houston University Hospital told me an aortic valve defect will get worse without spinal decompression surgery. I work as a farm laborer, and I have saved what I can, but the estimate of $10,500 is far beyond what I've. Until the surgery I can't work full days, and my hours as a farm laborer have already been cut. Every week of waiting means more pain and a bigger risk. Recovery is expected to take about 8 weeks. I'll not be able to stand for more than ten minutes 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 $5,200 goes: • Travel and lodging for the family: $480 • Surgeon and anesthesia fees: $2,700 • Hospital stay (4 nights): $1,650 • Pre-operative tests and imaging: $370 Thank you for reading my story.