Valve repair surgery for Paisley: covering what insurance won't

In October I was diagnosed with a cleft palate needing repair. My surgeon at Saint Mary Hospital recommended valve repair surgery, and I have been placed on the schedule for January. The hospital's financial office gave me a written estimate of $7,750, and after what my insurance will pay, I'm still $5,450 short. Doctors at Saint Mary Hospital told me a cleft palate needing repair will get worse without valve repair surgery. I work as a farm laborer, and I have saved what I can, but the estimate of $7,750 is far beyond what I've. Until the surgery I can't work full days, and my hours as a farm laborer 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 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 $5,450 goes: • Hospital stay (3 nights): $1,450 • Surgeon and anesthesia fees: $3,300 • Post-operative medication: $400 • Travel and lodging for the family: $300 Thank you for reading my story. - Paisley