Help me pay for spinal decompression surgery at Houston General Hospital

In October I was diagnosed with a thyroid nodule that needs removal. My surgeon at Houston General Hospital recommended spinal decompression surgery, and I have been placed on the schedule for December. The hospital's financial office gave me a written estimate of $8,750, and after what the government subsidy will pay, I'm still $6,050 short. Doctors at Houston General Hospital told me a thyroid nodule that needs removal will get worse without spinal decompression surgery. I work as a restaurant cook, and I have saved what I can, but the estimate of $8,750 is far beyond what I've. Until the surgery I can't work full days, and my hours as a restaurant cook have already been cut. Every week of waiting means more pain and a bigger risk. Rehabilitation is expected to take about 8 weeks. I'll not be able to stand for more than ten minutes 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 $6,050 goes: • Hospital stay (4 nights): $2,150 • Surgeon and anesthesia fees: $3,150 • Physiotherapy sessions: $440 • Post-operative medication: $310 I'll keep this page updated with receipts as things happen.