Dying Woman’s Last Wish: To Cancel Other’s $70 Million in Medical Debt
©️ Casey McIntyre / X
In a remarkable display of compassion and philanthropy, Casey McIntyre, a 38-year-old book publisher from New York City, made a significant impact on the lives of many even after her passing.
Diagnosed with stage four ovarian cancer, Casey’s dying wish was for medical debt to be canceled for others. It led to the erasure of nearly $70 million in unpaid medical bills.
Dying Wish Leads to Millions of Medical Debt Being Canceled
Casey McIntyre’s poignant farewell message was posted on social media after her death on November 12, 2023. In her message, she wrote about her deep love for her friends and family. Also, she expressed her gratitude for the high-quality medical care she received during her battle with cancer. She then revealed her plan to use donations to pay off others’ medical debts. She described it as a way to celebrate her life and give back.
“I loved each and every one of you with my whole heart and I promise you, I knew how deeply I was loved,” she wrote. “To celebrate my life, I’ve arranged to buy up others’ medical debt and then destroy the debt.”
The Campaign
McIntyre and her family partnered with the non-profit organization RIP Medical Debt. The now-famous organization buys and forgives medical debt at a fraction of its original cost. It operates by purchasing bundled portfolios of debt, and then using donations to pay off these debts. The debt is often millions of dollars at a time. For every dollar donated, approximately $100 of medical debt can be erased.
Initially, the campaign aimed to raise $150,000, which would equate to $15 million in debt relief. However, the campaign quickly surpassed its goal, raising over $680,000 by November 27, 2023. This substantial sum is projected to erase nearly $70 million in medical debt for Americans across the country.
A Movement of Compassion
Casey’s husband, Andrew Rose Gregory, shared her story on social media. It quickly went viral, garnering thousands of likes and shares. He described Casey as a very funny and loving person who always found joy even in the toughest times. Inspired by a similar debt forgiveness initiative by a church in North Carolina, Casey and Andrew decided to create their own “debt jubilee.”
“We were really lucky that she lived for six months,” Andrew said. “We had six months where we were able to travel, go to the beach, and have karaoke parties. Casey had time to plan, and she was a planner.”
The Impact
The outpouring of support for Casey’s campaign has been overwhelming. Donations poured in from people moved by her story and inspired by her selfless act. The campaign’s success has highlighted the severe issue of medical debt in the United States. An estimated 100 million Americans struggle with healthcare-related debt.
Continuing the Legacy
Casey’s family plans to continue honoring her legacy by holding a memorial service and “debt jubilee” in New York City’s Prospect Park. During the event, they will celebrate her life and the positive impact she has made on countless individuals burdened by medical debt.
Casey’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the difference one person can make, even in the face of immense personal challenges. Her legacy of compassion and generosity will continue to inspire and bring relief to those in need.
Learn More and Contribute
For those interested in contributing to the cause, donations can still be made to RIP Medical Debt. Every contribution, no matter how small, can make a significant impact on someone’s life. It will certainly help to relieve the heavy burden of medical debt and provide a sense of hope and relief.
For more information on how to support and donate to similar initiatives, visit RIP Medical Debt’s website or explore other organizations that assist with medical bills, such as HealthWell, the Patient Advocate Foundation, and the Patient Access Network (PAN) Foundation.
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