Palate reconstruction surgery for Audrey: covering what insurance won't

Audrey was diagnosed with a herniated spinal disc in January. The surgeon at Birmingham Regional Medical Center recommended palate reconstruction surgery, and She is scheduled for March. The hospital's financial office gave us a written estimate of $7,500, and after what my insurance will pay we're still $5,700 short. my sister has been in and out of Birmingham Regional Medical Center since January. The doctors say a herniated spinal disc will get worse without palate reconstruction surgery. We have emptied our savings and borrowed from relatives, but the estimate of $7,500 is more than we can find. While we wait, Audrey struggles with daily life and can't stand for more than ten minutes. Her family has taken turns caring for her, and I've cut my own work hours to be there. The recovery period is expected to take about 10 weeks. During that time Audrey won't be able to stand for more than ten minutes, so the costs keep growing. 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 $5,700 goes: • Surgeon and anesthesia fees: $2,000 • Hospital stay (2 nights): $2,400 • Pre-operative tests and imaging: $410 • Post-operative medication: $200 • Physiotherapy sessions: $560 • Travel and lodging for the family: $130 Every share and every dollar helps. - Melanie