Casey McIntyre, a Brooklyn resident, left an extraordinary legacy that extends beyond the confines of her own life. Despite battling her own personal fight with cancer, McIntyre devised a noble plan to alleviate others’ financial burdens.
In a heartfelt message shared by her husband on social media, McIntyre revealed her intention to utilize donations to purchase and erase the medical debt of countless individuals. This act of posthumous generosity, carried out just a week after her departure, has already wiped out millions of dollars in medical debt, offering relief to many in the face of financial adversity.
McIntyre, a devoted book publisher, started receiving treatment for ovarian cancer in 2019. Despite her personal health struggles, she and her husband, Andrew Rose Gregory, were deeply moved by the daunting financial burdens that many patients face, even those with good health insurance. This realization pushed them to dream of a world where no one is crushed under the weight of medical debt.
With this vision in mind, the couple planned an unprecedented fundraising campaign through the nonprofit RIP Medical Debt, aimed at purchasing and erasing the medical debt of other patients. RIP Medical Debt, known for its work in buying and erasing debt from hospitals and health care providers, states that every dollar donated can buy about $100 in debt, primarily helping those with lower incomes.
As McIntyre's health declined, the Brooklyn couple began planning her memorial and the debt-buying campaign. They found inspiration in a video of North Carolina churchgoers eliminating about $3 million in medical debt. After nearly losing her life in May, McIntyre spent her final months in home hospice care, savoring what her husband refers to as a "bonus summer" with family, including their 18-month-old daughter, Grace.
The campaign went live with a heartfelt message from McIntyre herself, shared posthumously by her husband on social media. "If you're reading this, I have passed away," she wrote. "I loved each and every one of you with my whole heart, and I promise you, I knew how deeply I was loved." The post included a link to the fundraising campaign, which has already surpassed its $20,000 goal, raising about $140,000 in just a few days - enough to settle around $14 million in medical debt.
Casey McIntyre's selfless act of compassion, even in the face of personal adversity, has created a life-changing legacy for countless individuals, alleviating their financial burden and providing a beacon of hope during challenging times. Her memory continues to live on, providing solace to many, especially those facing overwhelming medical debt. This inspiring act is a reminder of the power of community and the lasting impact one person can have on the lives of many.
If you or someone you know is struggling with medical debt, consider exploring insurance online quotes to find affordable coverage options. And in honor of Casey McIntyre's legacy, let us all strive towards creating a world where no one is crushed under the weight of financial burdens caused by illness.
In light of this heartwarming story, it is important to acknowledge the significance of having adequate health insurance.
