Gallbladder removal for José: covering what insurance won't

José was diagnosed with a cleft palate needing repair in September. The surgeon at São Paulo Regional Medical Center recommended gallbladder removal, and He is scheduled for December. The hospital's financial office gave us a written estimate of $4,500, and after what my employer's plan will pay we're still $2,250 short. my father has been in and out of São Paulo Regional Medical Center since September. The doctors say a cleft palate needing repair will get worse without gallbladder removal. We have emptied our savings and borrowed from relatives, but the estimate of $4,500 is more than we can find. While we wait, José struggles with daily life and can't climb stairs. His family has taken turns caring for him, and I've cut my own work hours to be there. The recovery period is expected to take about 12 weeks. During that time José won't be able to climb stairs, so the costs keep growing. I'll pay the hospital and pharmacy directly and post every receipt in the updates section. Where the $2,250 goes: • Hospital stay (2 nights): $910 • Pre-operative tests and imaging: $140 • Post-operative medication: $80 • Travel and lodging for the family: $95 • Surgeon and anesthesia fees: $1,025 I'll keep this page updated with receipts as things happen.