Surgery fund for Luciana: knee replacement surgery in Belo Horizonte

In April I was diagnosed with a torn ligament that needs reconstruction. My surgeon at Belo Horizonte Orthopedic Institute recommended knee replacement surgery, and I have been placed on the schedule for August. The hospital's financial office gave me a written estimate of $1,050, and after what our health plan will pay, I'm still $750 short. Doctors at Belo Horizonte Orthopedic Institute told me a torn ligament that needs reconstruction will get worse without knee replacement surgery. I work as a restaurant cook, and I have saved what I can, but the estimate of $1,050 is far beyond what I've. Until the surgery I can't work full days, and my hours as a restaurant cook have already been cut. Every week of waiting means more pain and a bigger risk. Recovery is expected to take about 4 weeks. I'll not be able to climb stairs 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 $750 goes: • Post-operative medication: $50 • Surgeon and anesthesia fees: $530 • Pre-operative tests and imaging: $170 If you can't give, please share this page. It does reach people. - Luciana