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

In March I was diagnosed with a deviated septum causing chronic infections. My surgeon at Ottawa Regional Medical Center recommended valve repair surgery, and I have been placed on the schedule for June. The hospital's financial office gave me a written estimate of $5,750, and after what our health plan will pay, I'm still $3,450 short. Doctors at Ottawa Regional Medical Center told me a deviated septum causing chronic infections will get worse without valve repair surgery. I work as a retail assistant, and I have saved what I can, but the estimate of $5,750 is far beyond what I've. Until the surgery I can't work full days, and my hours as a retail assistant 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 walk without help 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 $3,450 goes: • Surgeon and anesthesia fees: $2,300 • Travel and lodging for the family: $340 • Pre-operative tests and imaging: $440 • Post-operative medication: $370 Even a small gift gets used right away and I'll thank you myself. - Shirley