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

Clara was diagnosed with an aortic valve defect in August. The surgeon at Christchurch University Hospital recommended spinal decompression surgery, and She is scheduled for October. The hospital's financial office gave us a written estimate of $10,250, and after what the government subsidy will pay we're still $6,150 short. my wife has been in and out of Christchurch University Hospital since August. The doctors say an aortic valve defect will get worse without spinal decompression surgery. We have emptied our savings and borrowed from relatives, but the estimate of $10,250 is more than we can find. While we wait, Clara struggles with daily life and can't walk without help. Her family has taken turns caring for her, and I've cut my own work hours to be there. The recovery period is expected to take about 3 weeks. During that time Clara won't be able to walk without help, 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 $6,150 goes: • Surgeon and anesthesia fees: $2,850 • Hospital stay (3 nights): $1,600 • Pre-operative tests and imaging: $470 • Post-operative medication: $300 • Physiotherapy sessions: $690 • Travel and lodging for the family: $240 If you can't give, please share this page. It does reach people. - Harold