H has a serious and legitimately diagnosed medical condition. It is very possible he would benefit from surgery and end up with a better quality of life and fewer symptoms. If they’d been open and transparent about the cost and the real reason for surgery, I am sure they’d still have raised money. They should never have asked for so much money without any evidence of exact costs and the expected outcome for H.
The claims that H has a very shortened life expectancy has also been an issue. Honestly though, if it “only” gives him a better quality of life, it’s still a valid reason to want him to have it. Any parent would fight tooth and nail to improve their child’s health.
“Our child has a debilitating, painful and deteriorating condition. We have the opportunity to improve his pain and breathing (or other symptoms) but we need to raise funds. Here is the breakdown of the quote the hospital gave us. Please help us help improve our son’s health. ” <— see, easy peasy! I’d donate to that, especially if via a charity.