Fighting Cancer and Debt: A Family's Journey

A family's life changed forever when their son, Nick, was diagnosed with a rare form of blood cancer. At just 21 years old, Nick's battle with Diffuse Large B-Cell non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma was tough. The family's world turned upside down, not just from the emotional toll, but also from the overwhelming medical bills that followed. The costs added up quickly. Expensive treatments, frequent doctor visits, and the need to stay close to the hospital all took a financial toll. The family had to make tough choices. They lost their main income when one parent had to quit their job to care for Nick. Later, the other parent also had to stop working. On top of that, there were funeral expenses to consider. The debt kept growing. It reached a point where the family feared they might lose their home. This is a reality for many families. In Pennsylvania alone, about one million people are struggling with medical debt. Low-income and rural communities are hit the hardest. Hospitals often go to great lengths to collect these debts. They might sell the debt to collection agencies, which can then take money directly from people's paychecks. Some hospitals even put liens on homes or seize bank accounts. To make matters worse, the interest rates on these debts can be extremely high, making it even harder to pay them off.This debt can have long-lasting effects. It can damage credit scores, making it difficult for families to secure their financial future. It can become a barrier to basic needs like keeping a roof over their heads. But there is hope. Two bills are currently being considered in the Pennsylvania General Assembly. HB. 79 aims to make it easier for patients to access financial assistance from hospitals. SB. 268 would ensure that third-party assistance for medical costs counts towards deductibles. These changes could help ease the burden of medical debt for many families. Before he passed away, Nick started the Headstrong Foundation. This organization provides free housing for families while their loved ones undergo treatment. The family has continued Nick's mission, opening Nick's House in Philadelphia and Boston. So far, they've helped 39, 000 families. It took five years, but the family finally climbed out of their debt. They are committed to helping others avoid the same struggle. While they wish no one had to face this burden, they are determined to make a difference.