Cataract surgery for Emily: covering what insurance won't

Emily was diagnosed with a cleft palate needing repair in November. The surgeon at Saint Elizabeth Hospital recommended cataract surgery, and She is scheduled for March. The hospital's financial office gave us a written estimate of $6,250, and after what my insurance will pay we're still $3,700 short. my wife has been in and out of Saint Elizabeth Hospital since November. The doctors say a cleft palate needing repair will get worse without cataract surgery. We have emptied our savings and borrowed from relatives, but the estimate of $6,250 is more than we can find. While we wait, Emily struggles with daily life and can't lift anything heavy. Her family has taken turns caring for her, and I've cut my own work hours to be there. Recovery is expected to take about 8 weeks. During that time Emily won't be able to lift anything heavy, so the costs keep growing. I'll pay the hospital and pharmacy directly and post every receipt in the updates section. Where the $3,700 goes: • Surgeon and anesthesia fees: $2,650 • Travel and lodging for the family: $350 • Physiotherapy sessions: $700 I'll keep this page updated with receipts as things happen.