Surgery fund for Elena: spinal decompression surgery in Kharkiv

In August I was diagnosed with a large ovarian cyst. My surgeon at Kharkiv Orthopedic Institute recommended spinal decompression surgery, and I have been placed on the schedule for November. The hospital's financial office gave me a written estimate of $2,050, and after what the government subsidy will pay, I'm still $1,450 short. Doctors at Kharkiv Orthopedic Institute told me a large ovarian cyst will get worse without spinal decompression surgery. I work as a market vendor, and I have saved what I can, but the estimate of $2,050 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. The recovery period 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 $1,450 goes: • Surgeon and anesthesia fees: $860 • Hospital stay (4 nights): $280 • Pre-operative tests and imaging: $55 • Post-operative medication: $30 • Physiotherapy sessions: $165 • Travel and lodging for the family: $60 Thank you for reading my story. - Elena