Marijke's laparoscopic cyst removal can't wait - please help us cover the bill

In June I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in the right knee. My surgeon at Saint Elizabeth 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 $9,000, and after what my insurance will pay, I'm still $4,500 short. Doctors at Saint Elizabeth Hospital told me osteoarthritis in the right knee will get worse without laparoscopic cyst removal. I work as a call-centre agent, and I have saved what I can, but the estimate of $9,000 is far beyond what I've. Until the surgery I can't work full days, and my hours as a call-centre agent have already been cut. Every week of waiting means more pain and a bigger risk. Recovery is expected to take about 10 weeks. I'll not be able to drive 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 $4,500 goes: • Physiotherapy sessions: $760 • Surgeon and anesthesia fees: $3,300 • Pre-operative tests and imaging: $440 Thanks for being kind about this.