Surgery fund for Andile: a craniotomy in Johannesburg

In July I was diagnosed with a large ovarian cyst. My surgeon at Johannesburg Orthopedic Institute recommended a craniotomy, and I have been placed on the schedule for October. The hospital's financial office gave me a written estimate of $700, and after what our health plan will pay, I'm still $350 short. Doctors at Johannesburg Orthopedic Institute told me a large ovarian cyst will get worse without a craniotomy. I work as a school bus driver, and I have saved what I can, but the estimate of $700 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. The recovery period is expected to take about 7 weeks. I'll not be able to work a full shift 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 $350 goes: • Travel and lodging for the family: $65 • Physiotherapy sessions: $185 • Post-operative medication: $100 Whatever you can give, even just sharing this page, means a lot. - Andile