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

In April I was diagnosed with a cleft palate needing repair. My surgeon at Vancouver Regional Medical Center recommended spinal decompression surgery, and I have been placed on the schedule for June. The hospital's financial office gave me a written estimate of $6,750, and after what our health plan will pay, I'm still $4,100 short. Doctors at Vancouver Regional Medical Center told me a cleft palate needing repair will get worse without spinal decompression surgery. I work as a school bus driver, and I have saved what I can, but the estimate of $6,750 is far beyond what I've. Until the surgery I can't work full days, and my hours as a school bus driver 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 stand for more than ten minutes 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 $4,100 goes: • Post-operative medication: $440 • Surgeon and anesthesia fees: $2,500 • Physiotherapy sessions: $710 • Pre-operative tests and imaging: $450 Even a small gift gets used right away and I'll thank you myself. - Quinn