Spinal decompression surgery for Agnès: covering what insurance won't

Agnès was diagnosed with a benign brain tumor in May. The surgeon at Saint Luke Hospital recommended spinal decompression surgery, and She is scheduled for July. The hospital's financial office gave us a written estimate of $5,250, and after what my employer's plan will pay we're still $3,200 short. my mother has been in and out of Saint Luke Hospital since May. The doctors say a benign brain tumor will get worse without spinal decompression surgery. We have emptied our savings and borrowed from relatives, but the estimate of $5,250 is more than we can find. While we wait, Agnès struggles with daily life and can't walk without help. 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 4 weeks. During that time Agnès won't be able to walk without help, so the costs keep growing. I'll pay the hospital and pharmacy directly and post every receipt in the updates section. Where the $3,200 goes: • Surgeon and anesthesia fees: $2,150 • Post-operative medication: $250 • Physiotherapy sessions: $530 • Pre-operative tests and imaging: $270 I hope life is good to you. - Corinne