The State : Cash Pledged for Surgery

The family of Piotr Sternik, a 6-year-old Polish boy who traveled to Stanford University Medical Center for heart surgery he needs to live, has received cash and pledges for the $25,000 the hospital demanded be paid in advance before admitting him, according to Peter Wasowski, a family friend who took Piotr and his mother into his home in San Carlos. However, Wasowski said, if the pledges for $19,000 are not paid soon, the family may accept an offer of free surgery in New Jersey. Wasowski said they prefer Stanford, which uses a superior technique that may avoid the need for repeat surgery. Although surgeons agreed to donate their services, Stanford asked for advance payment of other hospital costs, saying it fears setting a precedent that could flood the hospital with requests for similar treatment.