Rafael's valve repair surgery can't wait - please help us cover the bill

In September I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in the right knee. My surgeon at Belo Horizonte Orthopedic Institute recommended valve repair surgery, and I have been placed on the schedule for December. The hospital's financial office gave me a written estimate of $3,800, and after what my employer's plan will pay, I'm still $1,900 short. Doctors at Belo Horizonte Orthopedic Institute told me osteoarthritis in the right knee will get worse without valve repair surgery. I work as a retail assistant, and I have saved what I can, but the estimate of $3,800 is far beyond what I've. Until the surgery I can't work full days, and my hours as a retail assistant have already been cut. Every week of waiting means more pain and a bigger risk. Rehabilitation is expected to take about 6 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 $1,900 goes: • Surgeon and anesthesia fees: $940 • Hospital stay (2 nights): $490 • Travel and lodging for the family: $135 • Post-operative medication: $125 • Physiotherapy sessions: $210 Thanks for reading all this.