As many of you know, my son Andrew recently underwent emergency surgery in Australia.  He moved there with his wife, Tamara (an Australian citizen), and their baby boy about a month ago.  To apply for a residency visa for the spouse of a citizen, one must be in the country for 90 days.  And, to qualify for national healthcare, one must have applied for residency.                    
Because of the horrible timing of residency eligibility v healthcare coverage, he had to undergo the surgery without coverage. He had no choice really, as it was a matter of life and death, but they find themselves just starting out on their lives, now with a huge medical debt.

 The emergency surgery went on for hours, Andrew was in ICU for a couple of days and then in a regular room for several more.  He was (and still is) on massive antibiotics as he was entering sepsis when he went in.  I am so very thankful that they went in and I know that many people have much worse things happening in their lives.  I worry about the strain this will put on him and his new family as they begin their lives. 

 As a teacher, I don’t have the kind the kind of cushion to be able to help in the way that I wish that I could. The money I send will barely make a dent.  I know that many of my friends would be unhappy with me if they knew help was needed and I didn't ask. So, I am asking for your help.

If you feel moved to help, I would be tremendously grateful for any and all assistance.