Surgery fund for Teresa: knee replacement surgery in Envigado

In July I was diagnosed with a hernia that has become strangulated. My surgeon at Envigado Community Hospital recommended knee replacement surgery, and I have been placed on the schedule for October. The hospital's financial office gave me a written estimate of $1,800, and after what my employer's plan will pay, I'm still $1,250 short. Doctors at Envigado Community Hospital told me a hernia that has become strangulated will get worse without knee replacement surgery. I work as a restaurant cook, and I have saved what I can, but the estimate of $1,800 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 8 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. I'll pay the hospital and pharmacy directly and post every receipt in the updates section. Where the $1,250 goes: • Travel and lodging for the family: $100 • Surgeon and anesthesia fees: $1,100 • Pre-operative tests and imaging: $50 Thank you for reading my story. - Teresa