How much is it really worth?

So, about 6 weeks ago, our home computer crashed.  Someone from church offered to try to pull the information from it, but long story short, it was too damaged.  But there was good news, it could be done.  He informed us that there are people out there that can do it for you, but it would cost several thousand dollars.  Of course, the only thing on it that is of any value, is our pictures.  We hadn't saved the info to anything else in over a year.  We don't have thousands to just spend, but I can't seem to think about losing all those memories.  So, how much is it really worth.  What is the breaking point that you say, "No, I won't pay that much to fix it."  So, so sad.  Any suggestions???