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

Lauren was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in the right knee in July. The surgeon at Saint Joseph Hospital recommended spinal decompression surgery, and She is scheduled for September. The hospital's financial office gave us a written estimate of $15,500, and after what our health plan will pay we're still $7,750 short. my mother has been in and out of Saint Joseph Hospital since July. The doctors say osteoarthritis in the right knee will get worse without spinal decompression surgery. We have emptied our savings and borrowed from relatives, but the estimate of $15,500 is more than we can find. While we wait, Lauren struggles with daily life and can't work a full shift. Her family has taken turns caring for her, and I've cut my own work hours to be there. Recovery is expected to take about 5 weeks. During that time Lauren won't be able to work a full shift, so the costs keep growing. I'll pay the hospital and pharmacy directly and post every receipt in the updates section. Where the $7,750 goes: • Post-operative medication: $250 • Travel and lodging for the family: $155 • Surgeon and anesthesia fees: $3,550 • Hospital stay (2 nights): $3,300 • Pre-operative tests and imaging: $495 I hope life is good to you. - Hailey