The creator of the board game Operation can't afford an operation of his own.

But John Spinello, of Bloomingdale, Illinois, is finding out how much people love the 50-year-old game after friends raised beyond their expectations in an online campaign.

Spinello invented the buzzing game as a college student and sold the concept for $500 to a toy invention firm. The game was later licensed to Milton Bradley. But Spinello never got any royalties from the game or merchandise.

Now he can't afford the $25,000 for oral surgery.

Peggy Brown, a game-maker from Milwaukee, and another friend started raised more than $30,000 online since Oct. 22 and about $15,000 through signed games. Brown says she also hopes the campaign gets Spinello some recognition for his work.