Help me pay for gallbladder removal at Birmingham Community Hospital

In March I was diagnosed with an aortic valve defect. My surgeon at Birmingham Community Hospital recommended gallbladder removal, and I have been placed on the schedule for June. The hospital's financial office gave me a written estimate of $2,600, and after what the government subsidy will pay, I'm still $1,300 short. Doctors at Birmingham Community Hospital told me an aortic valve defect will get worse without gallbladder removal. I work as a taxi driver, and I have saved what I can, but the estimate of $2,600 is far beyond what I've. Until the surgery I can't work full days, and my hours as a taxi driver have already been cut. Every week of waiting means more pain and a bigger risk. Rehabilitation is expected to take about 12 weeks. I'll not be able to lift anything heavy 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 $1,300 goes: • Pre-operative tests and imaging: $440 • Travel and lodging for the family: $530 • Post-operative medication: $330 I'll pay this kindness forward the moment I'm able to.