Karl's spinal decompression surgery can't wait - please help us cover the bill

Karl was diagnosed with a torn ligament that needs reconstruction in July. The surgeon at Düsseldorf University Hospital recommended spinal decompression surgery, and He is scheduled for September. The hospital's financial office gave us a written estimate of $8,500, and after what my employer's plan will pay we're still $4,250 short. my husband has been in and out of Düsseldorf University Hospital since July. The doctors say a torn ligament that needs reconstruction will get worse without spinal decompression surgery. We have emptied our savings and borrowed from relatives, but the estimate of $8,500 is more than we can find. While we wait, Karl 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. Recovery is expected to take about 12 weeks. During that time Karl 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 $4,250 goes: • Surgeon and anesthesia fees: $2,500 • Post-operative medication: $370 • Pre-operative tests and imaging: $300 • Physiotherapy sessions: $850 • Travel and lodging for the family: $230 Whatever you can give, even just sharing this page, means a lot. - Nina