Casey McIntyre: New York mother's dying wish wipes $17M in medical debt for other patients
NEW YORK CITY: Casey McIntyre, a vibrant 38-year-old New York City mother, died on November 12 after a long battle with ovarian cancer that began in 2019.
However, her death marked the beginning of an extraordinary act of charity that would significantly impact the lives of countless individuals facing medical debt, as per Daily Mail.
Casey McIntyre's act of charity eradicated $17 million in medical debts
In a heartrending yet uplifting social media post crafted before her death, Casey McIntyre revealed her poignant plan to alleviate the burden of medical debt for others, writing, "To celebrate my life, I've arranged to buy up others' medical debt and then destroy the debt."
Her gesture was a testament to her unwavering compassion, aiming to extend support to those burdened by medical expenses even in her absence.
McIntyre's post included a link to a fundraising campaign hosted by the nonprofit RIP Medical Debt, known for purchasing and abolishing medical debts incurred by individuals across the country.
This initiative struck a chord with supporters, swiftly surpassing its initial $20,000 goal. McIntyre's selfless mission resonated deeply, accumulating an astounding $177,000 by Saturday morning, a sum potent enough to eradicate approximately $17 million in medical debts.
a note to my friends: if you’re reading this I have passed away. I’m so sorry, it’s horseshit and we both know it. The cause was stage four ovarian cancer.
— Casey McIntyre (@caseyrmcintyre) November 14, 2023
I loved each and every one of you with my whole heart and I promise you, I knew how deeply I was loved. pic.twitter.com/xCtiD93S7T
Casey McIntyre's husband emphasizes the significance of aiding those with medical debt
Casey McIntyre's husband, Andrew Rose Gregory, shared insights into her motivation behind this noble cause.
Despite receiving quality healthcare and possessing adequate insurance during her treatment at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, McIntyre and Gregory were startled by the exorbitant costs associated with her care.
He remarked, "There's good cancer treatment out there that people can't afford."
The couple's concern wasn't merely confined to their personal situation as it encompassed a broader perspective, questioning the accessibility of medical care amidst crippling debt.
Gregory emphasized the significance of aiding those grappling with medical expenses, suggesting that alleviating this burden could be as impactful as dreaming of a cure for cancer.
RIP Medical Debt emerges as a beacon of hope for patients dealing with overwhelming medical bills
The landscape of healthcare in the US often leads individuals into financial turmoil despite having insurance coverage.
Reports from the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) in 2022 highlighted that nearly one in 10 adults owed at least $250 in medical debt, with an estimated 23 million individuals affected, including 11 million who owed over $2,000.
RIP Medical Debt emerges as a beacon of hope in this challenging scenario, diligently working to erase debt acquired from healthcare providers and the secondary debt market.
Operating on the principle of purchasing debt at reduced rates, the organization aims to assist individuals from lower-income backgrounds, providing a pathway toward financial liberation from overwhelming medical expenses.