Spinal decompression surgery for Ki-tae: covering what insurance won't

In April I was diagnosed with an aortic valve defect. My surgeon at Daegu Community Hospital recommended spinal decompression surgery, and I have been placed on the schedule for July. The hospital's financial office gave me a written estimate of $2,550, and after what the government subsidy will pay, I'm still $1,900 short. Doctors at Daegu Community Hospital told me an aortic valve defect will get worse without spinal decompression surgery. I work as a market vendor, and I have saved what I can, but the estimate of $2,550 is far beyond what I've. Until the surgery I can't work full days, and my hours as a market vendor have already been cut. Every week of waiting means more pain and a bigger risk. Rehabilitation is expected to take about 5 weeks. I'll not be able to lift anything heavy during that time, so this has become a financial emergency as well as a medical one. I'll pay the hospital and pharmacy directly and post every receipt in the updates section. Where the $1,900 goes: • Physiotherapy sessions: $270 • Hospital stay (2 nights): $1,150 • Post-operative medication: $140 • Pre-operative tests and imaging: $340 Every share and every dollar helps.