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Emergency hernia repair for Hlengiwe: covering what insurance won't
Hlengiwe needs emergency hernia repair at Paarl Orthopedic Institute and the family is $1,150 short of the hospital's estimate.
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Hlengiwe was diagnosed with a hernia that has become strangulated in August. The surgeon at Paarl Orthopedic Institute recommended emergency hernia repair, and She is scheduled for October. The hospital's financial office gave us a written estimate of $1,450, and after what the government subsidy will pay we're still $1,150 short.
my mother has been in and out of Paarl Orthopedic Institute since August. The doctors say a hernia that has become strangulated will get worse without emergency hernia repair. We have emptied our savings and borrowed from relatives, but the estimate of $1,450 is more than we can find.
While we wait, Hlengiwe 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.
The recovery period is expected to take about 8 weeks. During that time Hlengiwe 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 $1,150 goes:
• Hospital stay (3 nights): $860
• Pre-operative tests and imaging: $140
• Physiotherapy sessions: $150
Ask me anything below before you decide. I'd rather you were sure.
- Xolani
- due date
- 2026-10-16
- bill type
- Hospital invoice
Updates from Xolani
We're at 19% thanks to 11 of you. I made the first payment toward hospital stay. More news soon.
Good news. Because of your gifts ($101 in total) we've started the first stage. Still a way to go but it feels less lonely.
- Renata Priscila Correia 🇧🇷 · $25
- Supriya B. Shinde 🇮🇳 · $10
- Kelly Luana Moura 🇧🇷 · $20
- Mugisha Bakari Salim 🇰🇪 · $15
“All the best! - Kasarani”
- Mónica F. Mendoza 🇲🇽 · $100
- Beau G. Olson 🇨🇦 · $20
“Thought of Hlengiwe all day after reading this.”
- Mia D. Mitchell 🇺🇸 · $30
- Githinji Onyango Mushi 🇹🇿 · $5
- Michel Thomas 🇫🇷 · $25
- Naledi Singh 🇿🇦 · $50
- Emery T. Harris 🇺🇸 · $10
“Blessings - Tampa”
- Bruno Samuel Barros 🇧🇷 · $27
- Divya L. Chandrasekhar 🇮🇳 · $19
“God bless. - Gaya”
- Purvi M. Vyas 🇮🇳 · $10
“Thought of Hlengiwe all day after reading this. - Rajkot”
- Shirley Lee 🇦🇺 · $10
- Cristina W. Espinoza 🇺🇸 · $25
“Hope things get better. Thought of Hlengiwe all day after reading this. - St. Petersburg”
- Eliana T. Jensen 🇬🇧 · $10
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you're not alone, Xolani. Gave what I could, wish it was more. After 9 years in hospitality I know how hard it's to ask for anything
Is there anything that isn't money that would help Hlengiwe?
Sharing the link is the biggest thing. And if you know anything about hospital stay (3 nights), advice is welcome too. Fair thing to want to know.
You're not alone, Xolani. Shared it with a few friends. Thinking of Paarl
So sorry you're going through this, Xolani. I've been in a tough spot myself and it does get easier. I told my book club about it and three of them are giving too. Thinking of Paarl.
Sending strength, Xolani. This could happen to any of us. I'll check back for the next update. Take care.
Sending love, Xolani. Shared this with my family. Take care.