In a poignant and heartwarming turn of events, a New York City woman’s final wish is set to become a reality as her community rallies together to fulfill her dying request. Casey McIntyre, a courageous woman who battled ovarian cancer, passed away on November 12 at the age of 38. However, in the days leading up to her departure, she passionately advocated for a cause close to her heart – relieving strangers of their medical debt. Â
McIntyre, who had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2019, used her last moments to urge friends and well-wishers to contribute to a fundraising campaign aimed at canceling the medical debts of those less fortunate. Alongside her husband, Andrew, she initiated the campaign through the nonprofit RIP Medical Debt, which utilizes data analytics to identify households facing financial hardships due to medical expenses. Â
Expressing gratitude for the exceptional medical care she received at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, McIntyre shared her realization that many in the country lacked access to such quality care. In a post on social media, she announced her plan to purchase and eradicate others’ medical debt as a way to “celebrate my life.” Â
The fundraising campaign gained significant traction following McIntyre’s heartfelt call to action. Before her passing, it managed to accumulate almost $200,000. According to Daniel Lempert, a spokesperson for RIP Medical Debt, this amount is expected to abolish around $19 million in medical debt. Â
In the wake of McIntyre’s death, the campaign’s impact continued to grow exponentially. As of the latest update, a remarkable $543,465 has been raised, translating to approximately $54 million in medical debt relief. The overwhelming support underscores the collective desire to make a tangible difference in the lives of those burdened by medical expenses. Â
Andrew McIntyre, reflecting on his late wife’s vision, highlighted the stark reality that quality healthcare remains financially out of reach for many individuals. Rather than merely dreaming of a cure for cancer, the McIntyre family aimed to address the immediate and pressing issue of medical debt, providing relief to those currently grappling with its weight. Â
Casey McIntyre’s journey, marked by resilience and the ability to find joy even in the face of adversity, serves as an inspiration to many. Despite the challenging prognosis she received in 2019, McIntyre and her family embraced the time they had left, creating lasting memories and cherishing moments of joy, from beach outings to karaoke parties. Â
As McIntyre leaves behind her legacy, including 18-month-old daughter Grace, who will one day read the letters her mother had been writing since birth, the impact of her compassionate final wish reverberates through the community. In a world where millions grapple with the financial strain of healthcare, McIntyre’s story stands as a testament to the power of collective action and the enduring impact of a selfless act of kindness. Â
News Reference Â
