Foot surgery to get me back on my feet--and bike!

>>EDIT 10/26 at 11:22 AM PT

Incredible news! Just got off the phone with the billing manager at the hospital, and I can't believe it—our new cost is $8149.10, not the daunting $14,449 we thought!

Marybelle, the billing coordinator, deserves a medal. She followed her intuition and spoke with my insurance company once more today. Turns out, there's a cap of $8200 per year for my plan. Tomorrow, my deposit will only be $4149.10 (just 50%), and I'll sort out the rest with a payment plan.

I can't express the weight off my shoulders right now.

Thanks to your incredible generosity, I've managed to raise $500. It's like receiving a 10% discount on this operation, and I am overflowing with gratitude. THANK YOU!

And here's a little something for you, regardless of your donation: if you ever find yourself in LA, please reach out. I've learning all the best bike paths and trails in and around the city. I work with DTLA Bikes, so I can even hook you up with a rental. After my foot is healed, I'd love nothing more than to bike alongside you! So don't hesitate to get in touch.

With much love and heaps of gratitude,

Dave

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Hello Friends,

I hope this message finds you well. I want to update you on a recent incident and ask for your support.

On October 9th, I had an accident while pulling my bike out of storage, resulting in a serious foot injury.* I need surgery on October 28th (this Friday) to fix a displaced fracture, and my insurance covers only 60% of the cost. I'm responsible for a significant portion, totaling $14,449. This situation strains me financially, especially as I'm only working part time and I will be unable to drive for the next 6-8 weeks. This is car-centric LA so I'll be relying on volunteers to drive me, the bus, and Lyft/Uber.

I'm actively seeking full-time work (with better insurance than I have now!) but I need help covering the surgery deposit of $7224. This is 50% of the my total obligation. For the balance, I will be billed $300/month, interest free. And for that amount, I will also be applying for payment assistance, which might bump it down a bit more.

I want to thank the pastoral care team and the choir at Neighborhood Unitarian Universalist Church for rallying behind me. I'm able to keep singing in the choir, which many of you know is so important to me. Also, my friends on my AIDS/LifeCycle bike team, the Trudging Buddies. Between these two groups, I have LA peeps who are keeping an eye on me, calling to check in and offering rides. I'm so incredibly grateful!

Any contribution will make a difference. And your support in the form of prayers and good juju is tremendously appreciated, too. Especially this Friday at 3:30 PM when they put me under.

Thank you for even considering this appeal for help.

With love and affection,

Dave

PS My orthopedic surgeon is Dr. Tiffany Chin. She specializes in feet and ankles. I have confidence in her! I also hear good things about the California Hospital Medical Center (4-stars on Google).

*Our backyard bike storage has a slope. The bike tried to get away from me. I slammed my foot down and kind of rolled it. And snap! I have a oblique displaced fracture of the 5th metatarsal. I need screws and possibly a plate to pull it back together. 30 minute surgery with 8 weeks of PT.