Cataract surgery for Arjen: covering what insurance won't

Arjen was diagnosed with a large ovarian cyst in May. The surgeon at Saint Francis Hospital recommended cataract surgery, and He is scheduled for September. The hospital's financial office gave us a written estimate of $5,500, and after what our health plan will pay we're still $3,300 short. my brother has been in and out of Saint Francis Hospital since May. The doctors say a large ovarian cyst will get worse without cataract surgery. We have emptied our savings and borrowed from relatives, but the estimate of $5,500 is more than we can find. While we wait, Arjen struggles with daily life and can't look after the children alone. His family has taken turns caring for him, and I've cut my own work hours to be there. Rehabilitation is expected to take about 5 weeks. During that time Arjen won't be able to look after the children alone, 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 $3,300 goes: • Travel and lodging for the family: $175 • Physiotherapy sessions: $390 • Surgeon and anesthesia fees: $2,735 Even a small gift gets used right away and I'll thank you myself.