Gallbladder removal for Parker: covering what insurance won't

Parker was diagnosed with a hernia that has become strangulated in July. The surgeon at Saint Elizabeth Hospital recommended gallbladder removal, and He is scheduled for October. The hospital's financial office gave us a written estimate of $3,650, and after what my insurance will pay we're still $2,750 short. my husband has been in and out of Saint Elizabeth Hospital since July. The doctors say a hernia that has become strangulated will get worse without gallbladder removal. We have emptied our savings and borrowed from relatives, but the estimate of $3,650 is more than we can find. While we wait, Parker struggles with daily life and can't look after the children alone. 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 8 weeks. During that time Parker won't be able to look after the children alone, so the costs keep growing. I'll pay the hospital and pharmacy directly and post every receipt in the updates section. Where the $2,750 goes: • Travel and lodging for the family: $195 • Post-operative medication: $210 • Hospital stay (4 nights): $2,345 If you're reading this, thank you. - Isla