Home / Health / Cancer Survivor Abolishes $44.9M Medical Debt
Cancer Survivor Abolishes $44.9M Medical Debt
24 Oct
Summary
- Memorial campaign abolished $44.9 million in medical debt.
- Over 51,000 individuals received debt relief in the first round.
- A $20,000 fundraiser goal grew into over $1 million raised.
A campaign established in memory of Casey Ryan McIntyre, who died in November 2023, has abolished $44.9 million in medical debt. This significant relief impacted around 51,000 individuals across nine states in the Northeast. The initiative, managed by Undue Medical Debt, utilized approximately $300,000 of the more than $1 million raised to achieve this milestone.
McIntyre, diagnosed with stage four ovarian cancer at 34, was moved by her family's positive healthcare experience. This contrasted sharply with many Americans who faced substantial medical debt or postponed care due to lack of coverage. Her personal journey inspired the creation of a debt jubilee.
Initially aiming for $20,000, McIntyre's fundraiser exceeded $1 million. Her husband noted the relief could empower families to pursue better jobs, housing, or educational dreams. Undue Medical Debt assists individuals whose income is at four times the federal poverty level or whose debt exceeds 5% of their gross annual income.
