Cataract surgery for Palesa: covering what insurance won't

Palesa was diagnosed with a thyroid nodule that needs removal in May. The surgeon at Soweto Community Hospital recommended cataract surgery, and She is scheduled for July. The hospital's financial office gave us a written estimate of $860, and after what my insurance will pay we're still $600 short. my mother has been in and out of Soweto Community Hospital since May. The doctors say a thyroid nodule that needs removal will get worse without cataract surgery. We have emptied our savings and borrowed from relatives, but the estimate of $860 is more than we can find. While we wait, Palesa struggles with daily life and can't work a full shift. Her family has taken turns caring for her, and I've cut my own work hours to be there. Rehabilitation is expected to take about 8 weeks. During that time Palesa won't be able to work a full shift, so the costs keep growing. I'll pay the hospital and pharmacy directly and post every receipt in the updates section. Where the $600 goes: • Hospital stay (2 nights): $300 • Travel and lodging for the family: $65 • Pre-operative tests and imaging: $120 • Physiotherapy sessions: $115 Every share and every dollar helps. - Xolani