The American Healthcare system:

My significant other has been facing a series of ~mysterious and untreated health conditions~ (Because who can afford specialist care in this hellscape that is the United States?) that cause him to suddenly fall asleep, lose consciousness, or pass out—even while standing.

After about 4 years it's finally hurt him more than a potential concussion and plentiful scars. He fell asleep upright after getting up in the night and broke his left leg the MORNING OF a music gig that was going to get his name out there and hopefully increase his client base.

Unfortunately, the US healthcare system has failed my family and myself multiple times with malpractice and negligence, and NOW my significant other with a life-altering accident.

After the hospital ER fumbled his discharge instructions and made a clerical error, his contact number was not updated, causing him to miss his appointment with the orthopedic surgeon and delaying his surgery by an entire week.

The first splint he was put in the night of the break had his foot in an unnatural direction and had to be redone, but it still was not supportive, causing numbness and a second ER trip. We were told our discharge instructions were completely wrong as we waited for a call from the surgeon that never came, exacerbating likely permanent nerve damage in his broken leg. This is especially tragic and awful as he is a pianist and organist who relies on his leg mobility to do work.

We were supposed to call the specialist. Not have the specialist call him at a dead number that was never updated to what was entered upon intake.

Less than 24 hours before surgery, we were finally quoted $209,393,87 USD by the hospital and told to put $52,000 USD down to get surgery.

We requested to start without a down payment because that's about 2.5 years of income, but the morning of surgery, we were called back and told we were denied financial assistance and that we needed to put down $10,200. Also couldn't afford that.

They all but said "No payment no surgery" so we cancelled assuming we'll have to find a surgeon/hospital that will actually give us the REAL self pay rate.

Thankfully, the surgeon stepped in after hearing us cancel for financial reasons, called us back, and said that was completely inappropriate for an urgent broken leg surgery, and managed to squeeze him in for surgery later that day without a down payment.

We signed a (not-legally-binding) sheet stating we would need to handle the full cost so he could be prepped for surgery.

He has been denied any financial assistance for the Ambulance, ER visits, labs, surgery, etc. This has caused immense emotional and physical pain and stress.

The funds raised will go directly toward his medical bills, including ER visits, surgery, labs, and follow-up care. Starting with the surgey cost we finally were given a NORMAL SELF-PAY amount for: About $13,000 USD

Thank you to anyone who even considers donating to help. Your kindness and generosity mean more than words can express, and every bit of support brings us closer to hope and healing.