Medical debt is a burden for many, preventing them from thriving and contributing fully to their communities. We believe no one should have to choose between their health and financial security. That’s why the Global Shapers Chicago Hub is raising $15,000 to eliminate $1.5 million in medical debt across the Greater Chicago area—because for every dollar you donate, we can erase $100 worth of medical debt.

Medical debt is a crisis for many households across the United States, and the Greater Chicago area is no exception. Unpaid bills from unexpected health emergencies can quickly snowball into massive financial challenges. Families are forced to make impossible choices—whether to put food on the table, pay rent, or cover escalating medical costs. These debts also disproportionately affect marginalized and low-income communities, trapping them in cycles of poverty and limiting their access to essential care.

We chose to call our campaign Shred the Debt to represent the finality of eliminating medical debt, providing a fresh start for the families we’re helping. The act of shredding symbolizes freedom from a financial burden that has weighed down our neighbors for too long.

With Shred the Debt, we aim to erase this debt for over 1,500 people across our region. We’ve partnered with Undue Medical Debt, which allows us to purchase medical debt for pennies on the dollar. This means that every dollar you contribute goes much further—turning $1 into $100 of erased debt.

Join us in raising $15,000 to eliminate $1,500,000 of medical debt for people in the Greater Chicago area!