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

After a thyroid nodule that needs removal, Gerald was cleared for laparoscopic cyst removal, but the bill is more than we can manage.

Anywhere in the world3,627 views
Gerald K. Marshall
Email verified
London
In May I was diagnosed with a thyroid nodule that needs removal. My surgeon at Saint Catherine Hospital recommended laparoscopic cyst removal, and I have been placed on the schedule for August. The hospital's financial office gave me a written estimate of $9,500, and after what the public health scheme will pay, I'm still $6,650 short. Doctors at Saint Catherine Hospital told me a thyroid nodule that needs removal will get worse without laparoscopic cyst removal. I work as a market vendor, and I have saved what I can, but the estimate of $9,500 is far beyond what I've. Until the surgery I can't work full days, and my hours as a market vendor 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. 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 $6,650 goes: • Surgeon and anesthesia fees: $3,150 • Hospital stay (3 nights): $1,900 • Pre-operative tests and imaging: $410 • Post-operative medication: $260 • Physiotherapy sessions: $760 • Travel and lodging for the family: $170 I'll keep this page updated with receipts as things happen.
due date
2026-08-13
bill type
Hospital invoice
#surgery#hospital-bills#recovery#medical

Updates from Gerald

  1. Quick update: $1,397 raised so far (21%). the first invoice got paid this week. Receipts coming as soon as I have them.

  2. Update from London: we've booked the dates and paid the deposit. We're at 14% of the goal. Thank you for believing in us.

  3. Wanted to say thank you properly. 10% funded and I met with the hospital and confirmed the amounts.

Donations

RecentTop gifts
  • Festus Okonkwo 🇳🇬 · $5
  • Víctor T. Hernández 🇦🇷 · $5

    “Hang in there. Been where you're, it gets better. - La Plata”

  • Anonymous 🇳🇬 · $10

    “Keep your head up. Shared with friends too. - Nnewi”

  • Nkechi Bukola Hassan 🇳🇬 · $31.50
  • Gonzalo T. Serrano 🇺🇸 · $15

    “From my family to yours. Saw your post and had to give. - Winston-Salem”

  • Valentina Diana Florea 🇷🇴 · $26
  • Óscar W. Pacheco 🇺🇸 · $10

    “Thought of Gerald all day after reading this. - Oakland”

  • Ruby Ward 🇬🇧 · $15

    “Hope this helps. Saw your post and had to give. - Cardiff”

  • Elke Katharina Busch 🇩🇪 · $25
  • Chinmay Patil 🇮🇳 · $5
  • Alamin Rahim Barua 🇧🇩 · $25
  • Toàn Bảo Lieu 🇻🇳 · $25
  • Konrad Szymon Piotrowski 🇵🇱 · $50
  • Raymond M. Diaz 🇬🇧 · $10

    “Get well soon. From Manchester with love.”

  • Esteban G. Chávez 🇦🇷 · $10
  • Anonymous 🇪🇸 · $5
  • Anonymous 🇦🇺 · $20

    “Every little bit. Thought of Gerald all day after reading this. - Sydney”

  • Mary Grace Charmaine Concepcion 🇵🇭 · $100

    “All the best. Only $100 but hope it helps. - Quezon City”

  • Rakib Shakil Islam 🇧🇩 · $15
  • Otávio José Xavier 🇧🇷 · $15

Reviews

1.8(4 reviews)

Only people who gave to this need, or whose offer to help was accepted, can review it.

  • Ximena N. Zamora🇦🇷Verified helper
    Practical and effective help

    I was nervous about reaching out, but this person made me feel comfortable and supported from the very first interaction. Their help was invaluable.

  • Pavel Denis Pavlenko🇺🇦Verified donor
    Honest and trustworthy

    I was struggling and didn't know where to turn. This person stepped in without hesitation and provided exactly what I needed. Their compassion and expertise made all the difference in my life.

  • Justine Chloé Mercier🇫🇷Verified donor
    Restored my faith in humanity

    The support I received was beyond what I expected. Not only did they help with the immediate need, but they also provided guidance for long-term solutions. I'm forever grateful.

  • Parker W. Daniels🇺🇸Verified donor
    Delivered on promises

    The difference this person made in my life cannot be overstated. They were patient, kind, and persistent in helping me find solutions. Truly exceptional.

Questions & comments

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  • Bharath W. Subramanian

    good luck, Gerald. It takes guts to ask. Well done. My late mom used to say help given quietly counts double. Take care

    • Mateo C. Kim

      Hang in there. Hope the doctors have good news. My daughter saw me on my phone and now she wants to give her pocket money.

      • Lemi Brown

        Wishing Gerald a smooth procedure and a full recovery. I'm in retail myself and wanted you to know we're cheering for you. Take care.

        • Naliaka Aisha Mushi

          Sending love, Gerald. Looking forward to the next update. After 17 years in public service I know how hard it's to ask for anything. All the best

          • Hauwa Titilayo Chukwu

            Wishing Gerald a smooth procedure and a full recovery. My late mom used to say help given quietly counts double

            • Hailey JuarezPhoto verified

              Keep going. Hope the doctors have good news. Greetings from Kinondoni

              • Hazel A. Carter

                Good luck, Gerald. Shared this with my family. We lost years of savings to something like this so I get it.

                • Milon Nahid Parvez

                  thinking of you. Hope this works out for you. I told my book club about it and three of them are giving too.

                  $2,104 raised of $6,650

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