DOCTOR RECEIVES HEARTWARMING SUPPORT FROM LOCAL COMMUNITY HE SPENT DECADES HELPING AFTER HIS CANCER DIAGNOSIS

Dr. Michael Zollicoffer, who his patients lovingly call "Dr. Z," has spent the last four decades providing medical care to people living in Baltimore's most impoverished areas. Driven by a basic passion for helping others, he never turned anyone away, regardless of their ability to pay. Regretfully, the 66-year-old family doctor was just diagnosed with both rectal and kidney cancer, making him a patient himself.

In addition to his diagnosis, Zollicoffer discovered that he was uninsured because of a problem with his Medicare documentation. The radiation treatments he sorely needed would have cost about $150,000, and he had no method of paying for them. Fortunately, his community came around to support him after Michael Haynie, a friend from high school, launched a GoFundMe campaign.

In a short period of time, over 3,400 people contributed to Zollicoffer's cause, raising more than $280,000 to aid him through his difficult time. Many of the donors also expressed their appreciation for Zollicoffer's kindness over the years. "I want to take a moment to convey my heartfelt gratitude for all the care, compassion, and dedication you have shown to my son," said a $1,000 donor. We are really grateful to have you as his doctor since your generosity and tolerance have changed our lives so much. Someone else commented, "Dr. Z, you've motivated me to give back." You've really made me believe in people again.