Surgery fund for Brian: valve repair surgery in San Diego

In August I was diagnosed with a benign brain tumor. My surgeon at San Diego University Hospital recommended valve repair surgery, and I have been placed on the schedule for November. The hospital's financial office gave me a written estimate of $2,200, and after what my insurance will pay, I'm still $1,100 short. Doctors at San Diego University Hospital told me a benign brain tumor will get worse without valve repair surgery. I work as a taxi driver, and I have saved what I can, but the estimate of $2,200 is far beyond what I've. Until the surgery I can't work full days, and my hours as a taxi driver have already been cut. Every week of waiting means more pain and a bigger risk. The recovery period is expected to take about 5 weeks. I'll not be able to drive 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 $1,100 goes: • Physiotherapy sessions: $360 • Travel and lodging for the family: $370 • Pre-operative tests and imaging: $370 I'll keep this page updated with receipts as things happen. - Brian