Knee replacement surgery for Vinícius: covering what insurance won't

Vinícius was diagnosed with a torn ligament that needs reconstruction in November. The surgeon at Ribeirão Preto Regional Medical Center recommended knee replacement surgery, and He is scheduled for January. The hospital's financial office gave us a written estimate of $2,500, and after what my employer's plan will pay we're still $1,250 short. my father has been in and out of Ribeirão Preto Regional Medical Center since November. The doctors say a torn ligament that needs reconstruction will get worse without knee replacement surgery. We have emptied our savings and borrowed from relatives, but the estimate of $2,500 is more than we can find. While we wait, Vinícius 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. Rehabilitation is expected to take about 6 weeks. During that time Vinícius 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 $1,250 goes: • Hospital stay (2 nights): $840 • Travel and lodging for the family: $120 • Physiotherapy sessions: $290 Please ask me anything in the questions section. I'll answer honestly and quickly. - Josiane