Cataract surgery for Manuela: covering what insurance won't

Manuela was diagnosed with a cleft palate needing repair in August. The surgeon at Salvador Regional Medical Center recommended cataract surgery, and She is scheduled for October. The hospital's financial office gave us a written estimate of $1,550, and after what the government subsidy will pay we're still $1,250 short. my mother has been in and out of Salvador Regional Medical Center since August. 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 $1,550 is more than we can find. While we wait, Manuela struggles with daily life and can't drive. 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 Manuela won't be able to drive, 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 $1,250 goes: • Post-operative medication: $120 • Pre-operative tests and imaging: $200 • Travel and lodging for the family: $70 • Surgeon and anesthesia fees: $860 I never thought I'd be the one asking, and I'm grateful for every bit of support. - Amanda