Gallbladder removal for Theo: covering what insurance won't

Theo was diagnosed with a hernia that has become strangulated in September. The surgeon at Augsburg Regional Medical Center recommended gallbladder removal, and He is scheduled for November. The hospital's financial office gave us a written estimate of $5,750, and after what my insurance will pay we're still $3,450 short. my father has been in and out of Augsburg Regional Medical Center since September. 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 $5,750 is more than we can find. While we wait, Theo 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. Recovery is expected to take about 4 weeks. During that time Theo won't be able to look after the children alone, so the costs keep growing. The money goes straight to the treatment bills, and I'll share the invoices as they're paid so you can see exactly what your gift did. Where the $3,450 goes: • Pre-operative tests and imaging: $370 • Travel and lodging for the family: $195 • Post-operative medication: $400 • Surgeon and anesthesia fees: $2,485 Thank you for reading my story. - Noah