Layla's emergency hernia repair can't wait - please help us cover the bill

In July I was diagnosed with a large ovarian cyst. My surgeon at Saint Matthew Hospital recommended emergency hernia repair, and I have been placed on the schedule for September. The hospital's financial office gave me a written estimate of $1,600, and after what our health plan will pay, I'm still $950 short. Doctors at Saint Matthew Hospital told me a large ovarian cyst will get worse without emergency hernia repair. I work as a restaurant cook, and I have saved what I can, but the estimate of $1,600 is far beyond what I've. Until the surgery I can't work full days, and my hours as a restaurant cook have already been cut. Every week of waiting means more pain and a bigger risk. Recovery is expected to take about 12 weeks. I'll not be able to lift anything heavy 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 $950 goes: • Travel and lodging for the family: $85 • Post-operative medication: $60 • Pre-operative tests and imaging: $85 • Physiotherapy sessions: $75 • Hospital stay (4 nights): $645 You're what makes this possible, and I'll never forget it. - Layla