In one of Baltimore’s poorest neighborhoods, a dedicated family physician who never turned away patients unable to pay found himself on the receiving end of extraordinary generosity when his own medical crisis struck.
We often see that God blesses those who give freely. When someone helps others without counting the cost, God often provides for them when they need it most.
Dr. Michael Zollicoffer’s story shows us how God upholds His children during times of need, working through the hands and hearts of others to provide comfort and support.
Known as “Dr. Z” to thousands of patients in Baltimore, 66-year-old Michael Zollicoffer runs his family practice with a rare policy: if you can’t pay, come anyway.
“Forget that dollar bill,” Zollicoffer told CBS News. “I’m going to see you no matter what. You walk in that door, you will be seen. You bring your grandma with you, I’ll see her, too.”
This generous spirit comes from Dr. Z’s genuine love for his work and patients. “I just love people,” he explained. “I love to see a rash. If you say you got a rash, I’m going to find you, because I love a bump on your head.”
Patient Lita Johnson says what many feel about their beloved doctor: “He is unbelievable, because you’ll never meet another person like him ever.”
What makes Dr. Zollicoffer stand out even more is how available he makes himself. In almost 40 years as a doctor, he’s never taken a real vacation.
Dr. Zollicoffer gives every patient his cell phone number with an amazing promise – they can call him any time, day or night, all year round.
“He’s always available,” says patient Tiffani Elamenuel.
Another patient, Nykidra Robinson, adds, “I have his cellphone number.”
But even someone who helps others so much can face serious problems. A few months ago, Dr. Zollicoffer learned he had two different types of cancer.
“I’ve got 2 separate cancers — one renal and one rectal — but I don’t give up,” Zollicoffer said, showing the same fighting spirit he always encouraged in his patients.
Making matters worse, Dr. Z had no health insurance due to problems with his Medicare paperwork. The doctor who never worried if his patients could pay now couldn’t afford his own radiation treatments.
That’s when something amazing happened. The community Dr. Z had served faithfully for decades decided it was their turn to help him.
“I’m like, let’s fight, what can we do,” said Johnson, who couldn’t stand by while her doctor faced such challenges.
“Whatever needs to be done to save Dr. Z, we’re going to do it — collectively,” Robinson added.
The patients started a crowdfunding campaign on GoFundMe that brought in over $237,000 from nearly 2,800 people. This money helped ensure Dr. Zollicoffer could get the treatment he needed.
Today, his outlook is good. Dr. Z has his insurance back and plans to use leftover funds to support the community he loves. Rather than feeling sorry for himself, Dr. Zollicoffer feels grateful.
“You know what, I’m going to say something that may seem crazy as heck,” Zollicoffer reflected. “I’m thankful that I got cancer, because I am the happiest man on the planet, no matter what the outcome.”
His cancer journey revealed how much his decades of service meant to his community. The deep connections he formed came back to support him when he needed help most.
“What we have shown, and why we’re sitting at this table right now, to show America: this is what you’re about! We are about giving! I can’t make it without them, nor can they make it without me,” he explained.
Let this story inspire us to be the hands and feet of Jesus in our communities. Jesus calls us to serve others just as He served, with selfless love and compassionate care.
Let’s look for opportunities to be like Dr. Z, present in someone’s pain, faithful in service, and generous with our time and talents. When we care for the least of these, we are caring for Jesus Himself.
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Father God put me on an extremely difficult health path that I discerned was actually positive, just as this good man. When we walk with God and acknowledge Jesus as our Savior, hard things are still allowed but they are the path God puts us on to learn. All is good. This doctor is spot on.