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

In August I was diagnosed with a herniated spinal disc. My surgeon at Ann Arbor University Hospital recommended spinal decompression surgery, and I have been placed on the schedule for October. The hospital's financial office gave me a written estimate of $9,750, and after what our health plan will pay, I'm still $7,400 short. Doctors at Ann Arbor University Hospital told me a herniated spinal disc will get worse without spinal decompression surgery. I work as a restaurant cook, and I have saved what I can, but the estimate of $9,750 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 7 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 $7,400 goes: • Surgeon and anesthesia fees: $3,300 • Hospital stay (3 nights): $2,250 • Pre-operative tests and imaging: $500 • Post-operative medication: $350 • Physiotherapy sessions: $580 • Travel and lodging for the family: $420 Whatever you can give, even just sharing this page, means a lot.