Our family doesn’t typically ask for help, but after the last couple of years, we’ve realized we may need the support of our community to get through this season.

We’re Matt and Jess McCarthy, parents to two amazing kids — Benjamin (6) and Olivia (5). Like many families, we work hard, try to manage our finances responsibly, and rarely ask for help. Unfortunately, since 2024 our family has experienced a series of unexpected medical situations that have created significant medical debt.

Here’s what the last couple of years have looked like for our family:

November 2024 – Emergency Surgery (No Insurance)

During a job transition, Matt had a 6-month waiting period before health insurance became active. During that time:

• Jess began having severe stomach pain attacks

• She eventually drove herself to the ER where doctors discovered a critically infected gallbladder

• She was rushed to Rochester General Hospital for emergency surgery

• Doctors said waiting any longer could have been life-threatening

• She was also diagnosed with 5 kidney stones, a severely infected gallbladder and colitis

Even with self-pay discounts and the ambulance service generously waiving a $14,000 transport bill, we were still left with about: $16,000 in medical debt!

2025 – Jess’s Laparoscopic Surgery

Jess continued experiencing significant ovarian pain and underwent laparoscopic surgery to diagnose the issue.

• $4,000 in medical costs after insurance

Benjamin’s Dental Work Beginning of 2026:

Our son Benny needed extensive dental care. We have already paid:

• $2,000 out of pocket

• $2,000 still remaining after insurance

March 17, 2026 – Matt’s Knee Procedure

Matt’s knee has deteriorated to the point where repairing the ACL and meniscus is no longer possible.

Doctors will be performing surgery to:

• Remove scar tissue

• Improve mobility

• Reduce ongoing pain

Even with insurance, we’ve been told to expect another:

• $2,000 – $3,000 in medical costs

We have always tried to handle things on our own. We make payments whenever we can, avoid unnecessary medical visits, and do our best to stay responsible with our finances.

But between:

• Medical bills

• Student loans

• Everyday expenses

• The rising cost of living

• HIGH taxes from Jess being self-employed in NY out of her overall income

• Trying to save funds for a home in this awful market

• Trying to budget for possible specialized schooling for Livy to cater to her needs now that she's aged out of her current school - the public school system we're in isn't ideal

…it has begun to feel overwhelming. This is after trying to ask for medical financial assistance, of which we were denied due to our combined incomes (they don't take into account of debt-to-income), and also a fairer payment plan that worked for us - which also wasn't doable with RGH.

Asking for help goes against our nature, but we’re choosing humility over pride and trusting our community.

If you feel led to support our family in reducing this medical debt, we would be incredibly grateful. Any amount helps lighten the burden. Most importantly, we appreciate your prayers, encouragement, and support as we continue moving forward.

Thank you for being part of our village. God Bless you!

— Matt, Jess, Benny & Livy