Priceless's Scoliosis Medical Fund

My name is Sulin and I am starting this campaign on behalf of my beloved brother to assist with his medical expenses. He deserves a chance at a normal life (without pain) and the opportunity to follow his dreams.  Here’s a little about my brother’s fight.

Bjorn Herbert is 23 years old and was recently diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis. He is a quiet, courteous and good-natured young man who is extremely helpful and dependable.   He has a love for people and can work with people of all walks of life without discriminating. He is ambitious and works diligently to accomplish his lifelong dream to own his own business as a music producer. The curvature of Bjorn’s spine was not evident until his mid teenage years. A doctor at that time said that the small curvature would correct itself and should not be a problem.  However, as he matured the curvature of his spine became more pronounced.  The misalignment  of his spine is causing stress and pressure on the spinal discs, nerves, muscles, ligaments, or facet joints and thus over the years he has coped quietly with tremendous pain and not having the funds necessary to cover the costly surgery.  In recent times as the spine curves even more, it has become lodged against his heart and lung and this interferes with his breathing. Without the critical surgery, the position of the spine could puncture his lungs/heart and present further complications and possibly fatal results. 

The money from this campaign will be used to cover medical and other expenses not covered by the National Health Insurance (British Virgin Islands).  The total costs (provided there are no complications) are projected to cost approximately US$60,644.  While NHI will pay 80% of the medical cost (hospital, physician, anesthesia and surgical hardware fees) and Bjorn has to fund the remaining 20% for medical expenses (US$12,128) plus airfare and accommodation costs, any further costs resulting from complications, additional procedures required, special supplies, high cost medications or additional hospital days.  The round trip airfare for two persons is approximately $2,750 and hotel cost for 1 week is approximately $1,750.

Funds are needed immediately as the hospital (in Columbia) has an opening for January 10, 2017.  If he is unable to meet this date, he would have to wait for an indefinite period to do the surgery unless a cancellation occurs.

I will be extremely thankful for any contributions received because when the surgery is completed, my brother’s chance for a normal life will be greatly increased.

Thank you in advance for your prayers and generosity.

For more information on scoliosis, please visit 
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/scoliosis/home/ovc-20193685