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

In May I was diagnosed with a benign brain tumor. My surgeon at Saint Luke Hospital recommended emergency hernia repair, and I have been placed on the schedule for July. The hospital's financial office gave me a written estimate of $7,250, and after what my employer's plan will pay, I'm still $5,000 short. Doctors at Saint Luke Hospital told me a benign brain tumor will get worse without emergency hernia repair. I work as a call-centre agent, and I have saved what I can, but the estimate of $7,250 is far beyond what I've. Until the surgery I can't work full days, and my hours as a call-centre agent have already been cut. Every week of waiting means more pain and a bigger risk. The recovery period is expected to take about 10 weeks. I'll not be able to work a full shift during that time, so this has become a financial emergency as well as a medical one. I'll pay the hospital and pharmacy directly and post every receipt in the updates section. Where the $5,000 goes: • Physiotherapy sessions: $690 • Travel and lodging for the family: $440 • Post-operative medication: $390 • Surgeon and anesthesia fees: $3,480 Thank you for reading my story.