Emergency hernia repair for Axel: covering what insurance won't

Axel was diagnosed with a benign brain tumor in January. The surgeon at Christchurch Orthopedic Institute recommended emergency hernia repair, and He is scheduled for April. The hospital's financial office gave us a written estimate of $6,000, and after what my insurance will pay we're still $4,750 short. my brother has been in and out of Christchurch Orthopedic Institute since January. The doctors say a benign brain tumor will get worse without emergency hernia repair. We have emptied our savings and borrowed from relatives, but the estimate of $6,000 is more than we can find. While we wait, Axel struggles with daily life and can't walk without help. 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 Axel won't be able to walk without help, so the costs keep growing. I'll pay the hospital and pharmacy directly and post every receipt in the updates section. Where the $4,750 goes: • Surgeon and anesthesia fees: $2,000 • Hospital stay (4 nights): $990 • Pre-operative tests and imaging: $350 • Post-operative medication: $290 • Physiotherapy sessions: $720 • Travel and lodging for the family: $400 Thanks for being kind about this. - Sadie