Surgery fund for Ignacio: a partial thyroidectomy in Salem

Ignacio was diagnosed with a cleft palate needing repair in July. The surgeon at Salem University Hospital recommended a partial thyroidectomy, and He is scheduled for November. The hospital's financial office gave us a written estimate of $16,500, and after what my employer's plan will pay we're still $8,300 short. my husband has been in and out of Salem University Hospital since July. The doctors say a cleft palate needing repair will get worse without a partial thyroidectomy. We have emptied our savings and borrowed from relatives, but the estimate of $16,500 is more than we can find. While we wait, Ignacio struggles with daily life and can't lift anything heavy. His family has taken turns caring for him, and I've cut my own work hours to be there. The recovery period is expected to take about 4 weeks. During that time Ignacio won't be able to lift anything heavy, so the costs keep growing. I'll pay the hospital and pharmacy directly and post every receipt in the updates section. Where the $8,300 goes: • Surgeon and anesthesia fees: $3,500 • Hospital stay (4 nights): $3,350 • Pre-operative tests and imaging: $710 • Post-operative medication: $195 • Physiotherapy sessions: $290 • Travel and lodging for the family: $255 I'll pay this kindness forward the moment I'm able to.