Dr. Michael Zollicoffer has served Baltimore’s poorest neighborhoods as a family physician, never turning away patients who couldn’t pay. Affectionately known as Dr. Z, he says he would treat anyone who walked through his door, sometimes taking care of entire families. His selfless dedication to the community has earned him a lot of fans over the years.
Recently, Dr. Z was diagnosed with both renal and rectal cancer, and was facing $150-thousand treatment costs due to his Medicare insurance lapsing. In response, his longtime friend Michael Haynie started a crowdfunding campaign. The effort quickly gained traction, with more than 34-hundred people contributing over $280-thousand to support the beloved doctor in his time of need.
Despite battling cancer Dr. Z is continuing to see patients and expressed deep gratitude despite his diagnosis. “I’m thankful that I got cancer,” he says, explaining that the overwhelming support has made him feel like the happiest man alive.