Spinal decompression surgery for John Paul: covering what insurance won't

John Paul was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in the right knee in September. The surgeon at Iloilo City Community Hospital recommended spinal decompression surgery, and He is scheduled for January. The hospital's financial office gave us a written estimate of $1,900, and after what my insurance will pay we're still $1,500 short. my son has been in and out of Iloilo City Community Hospital since September. The doctors say osteoarthritis in the right knee will get worse without spinal decompression surgery. We have emptied our savings and borrowed from relatives, but the estimate of $1,900 is more than we can find. While we wait, John Paul struggles with daily life and can't work a full shift. 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 8 weeks. During that time John Paul won't be able to work a full shift, so the costs keep growing. I'll pay the hospital and pharmacy directly and post every receipt in the updates section. Where the $1,500 goes: • Hospital stay (2 nights): $560 • Surgeon and anesthesia fees: $740 • Travel and lodging for the family: $40 • Physiotherapy sessions: $105 • Post-operative medication: $55 Even a small gift gets used right away and I'll thank you myself. - Carlo