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

Shirley was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in the right knee in November. The surgeon at Newport University Hospital recommended valve repair surgery, and She is scheduled for January. The hospital's financial office gave us a written estimate of $9,250, and after what the government subsidy will pay we're still $5,500 short. my wife has been in and out of Newport University Hospital since November. The doctors say osteoarthritis in the right knee will get worse without valve repair surgery. We have emptied our savings and borrowed from relatives, but the estimate of $9,250 is more than we can find. While we wait, Shirley struggles with daily life and can't lift anything heavy. 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 7 weeks. During that time Shirley won't be able to lift anything heavy, so the costs keep growing. I'll pay the hospital and pharmacy directly and post every receipt in the updates section. Where the $5,500 goes: • Pre-operative tests and imaging: $580 • Hospital stay (3 nights): $1,450 • Surgeon and anesthesia fees: $2,900 • Travel and lodging for the family: $300 • Post-operative medication: $270 You're what makes this possible, and I'll never forget it. - Owen