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Medical Debt Relief

My name is Marta Finkelstein and I have been struggling with chronic illness for 8 years. I have Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (a undefined combo of a few possible autoimmune diseases like lupus, sjogrens, and crohns), with another diagnosis of Fibromyalgia, in addition to contracting Lyme disease in 2015. In 2016, a series of terrible treatment options caused me to be hospitalized and I had to quit work for 9 months. I put all my living expenses on credit cards, in addition to a couple of medical bills (which was a terrible financial decision). I have not been able to keep up on those payments even though I have been working again as an adjunct professor at Virginia Commonwealth University. My paycheck has only been able to cover week-to-week current living expenses. Last month American Express levied my bank account and took everything. MCV is likely to do the same as they have also taken me to court for unpaid medical bills. 

This gofundme page has been up for a while, and has been at one point a page to raise funds for making a film about my illness. While I am still slowly working on said film, I need to get my finances in order so I can get back on my feet and not have money unexpectedly yanked from my bank. 

All the while, since my illness is chronic, I still need to go to doctor quite frequently. My insurance is awful yet expensive, and my out-of-pocket medical expenses will probably be upwards of $4000 this year alone. I'm currently avoiding getting tests done, because I have no way to pay for them. The stress of having an additional $9000+ debt spread across dozens of different companies (Doctors offices, urgent care centers, labs, credit cards) is weighing down on me and my credit score. I actually don't even know how much I owe, as some of these medical facilities are charging interest on unpaid bills. It is definitely close to $10,000 as of January 2020. 

My husband and I are trying our best, we are both professors and artists just trying to get by, inspire others and contribute to our community.  It feels shameful that two highly educated and talented individuals have to turn to the internet begging for money. Unfortunately though, luxuries provided to past generations like affordable health care and education as well as reasonable rent is not in our reality. 

Your contribution will go towards helping me pay off these expenses and helping me get financial footing (and maybe even physical therapy). Thank you.
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Donations 

  • Nathan Chilik
    • $75 
    • 4 yrs
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Organizer

Marta Finkelstein
Organizer
Richmond, VA

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