Close Ad

Generous Doctor Wipes Out $650K Debt For 200 Cancer Patients
Dr. Omar Atiq & Patients
Everyday Heroes

Generous Doctor Wipes Out $650K Debt For 200 Cancer Patients

Along with its strain on frontline medical workers, COVID has also plunged patients deeper in debt.

But one doctor's generosity has given many a brighter outlook to kick off this year.


The end of an era

After nearly 30 years, Dr. Omar Atiq was closing down his Arkansas-based oncology practice. One priority was figuring out what to do about the $650,000 of outstanding patient debt.

At first, he attempted to recoup payment through their billing company. However, he and wife Mehreen instead found the perfect cure.

Some people are just unable to pay

Realizing that there "are people that are just unable to pay," they realized it was in their power to make a difference.

We saw that we could do it and then just went ahead and did it

Dr. Omar Atiq

And so, around 200 of Atiq's patients received a card from the Arkansas Cancer Clinic containing a surprise.

"The Arkansas Cancer Clinic was proud to serve you as a patient," the card read. It also acknowledged that despite insurance coverage, even paying deductibles can be a burden.

"The clinic has decided to forego all balances owed to the clinic by its patients."

Making a massive difference

Patients -- some indebted thousands of dollars for cancer treatments -- suddenly had a massive weight taken off their shoulders.

One of the things that always bothers everyone I believe is to see sick patients having to worry about things other than they’re getting healthy or getting better

Dr. Omar Atiq

Over the years, Dr. Atiq has seen patients go bankrupt trying to make payments, something he says "feels like a totally unfair situation."

Blessed to help

Dr.Attiq realized that he was in a unique position to make a difference. With medical depth rising and cancer patients especially vulnerable to COVID, his gesture made a huge impact.

thank God that we’re fairly comfortable and this was something we could at least do to help the community

Dr. Omar Attiq

While it's important to count our blessings, sharing them with others is even more powerful.

More uplifting news:

Hot Stories

Pamela Anderson Opens Up About Her 9 Disastrous Weddings
Why Pamela Anderson Can't Stop Getting Married

Pamela Anderson has it all: beauty, fame and success. So why can’t the most famous blonde find her fairytale ending? Why is Pamela so unlucky in love and what dark secrets lie behind her seemingly glamorous life?

Keep ReadingShow less
Life Stories
Dr Dre points up at text that says 25 rapper quotes to motivate you
Goalcast

The genres of rap and hip hop have been demonized by their association with gang violence and have often been represented by questionable characters. But we can’t overlook the fact that there are a lot of rappers out there who inspire and motivate us every day with their powerful lyrics and hypnotizing beats.

Just like any other form of art, rap is a representation of the artist’s personal experiences and emotions. A representation of what living in a rough environment really means and an expression of the grit that a tough life demands. They speak from life experience.

Keep ReadingShow less
Musicians
Elderly woman selling baking goods outside and an elderly woman with glasses.

Stranger's Video Helps Grandma Selling Baked Goods Go Viral

FOX13 News

Every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday without fail, Inez Hudson can be found stationed outside Super Choice Foods supermarket in Lakeland, Florida.

The 73-year-old woman sells homemade pies and cakes to support herself as her fixed income isn't enough to cover her living expenses.

She has her good days and bad days. That is, until now. Because thanks to the kindness of a stranger and the power of social media she just became a viral sensation. And now? Her baked goods are selling like hotcakes.

Keep ReadingShow less
Uplifting News