Paolo's ACL reconstruction can't wait - please help us cover the bill

Paolo was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in the right knee in November. The surgeon at Saint Elizabeth Hospital recommended ACL reconstruction, and He is scheduled for January. The hospital's financial office gave us a written estimate of $1,550, and after what the public health scheme will pay we're still $1,100 short. my husband has been in and out of Saint Elizabeth Hospital since November. The doctors say osteoarthritis in the right knee will get worse without ACL reconstruction. We have emptied our savings and borrowed from relatives, but the estimate of $1,550 is more than we can find. While we wait, Paolo struggles with daily life and can't climb stairs. His family has taken turns caring for him, and I've cut my own work hours to be there. The recovery period is expected to take about 5 weeks. During that time Paolo won't be able to climb stairs, so the costs keep growing. I'll pay the hospital and pharmacy directly and post every receipt in the updates section. Where the $1,100 goes: • Surgeon and anesthesia fees: $450 • Hospital stay (5 nights): $290 • Pre-operative tests and imaging: $100 • Post-operative medication: $60 • Physiotherapy sessions: $130 • Travel and lodging for the family: $70 Thanks for being kind about this.