Laparoscopic cyst removal for Gabriel: covering what insurance won't

Gabriel was diagnosed with a herniated spinal disc in August. The surgeon at São Paulo Community Hospital recommended laparoscopic cyst removal, and He is scheduled for October. The hospital's financial office gave us a written estimate of $2,450, and after what our health plan will pay we're still $1,950 short. my brother has been in and out of São Paulo Community Hospital since August. The doctors say a herniated spinal disc will get worse without laparoscopic cyst removal. We have emptied our savings and borrowed from relatives, but the estimate of $2,450 is more than we can find. While we wait, Gabriel struggles with daily life and can't walk without help. His family has taken turns caring for him, and I've cut my own work hours to be there. The recovery period is expected to take about 4 weeks. During that time Gabriel won't be able to walk without help, so the costs keep growing. I'll pay the hospital and pharmacy directly and post every receipt in the updates section. Where the $1,950 goes: • Pre-operative tests and imaging: $80 • Surgeon and anesthesia fees: $750 • Hospital stay (2 nights): $1,120 I never thought I'd be the one asking, and I'm grateful for every bit of support. - Felipe