Help Samantha with health and healing expenses.

Samantha is a generous and committed activist who is facing hard times. She is fiercely committed to justice, especially supporting reproductive rights and healthcare for all as co-chair for the Syracuse DSA Socialist Feminist Working Group. Previously, Samantha served behind the scenes as Treasurer for the Dana Balter for Congress campaign. In February, Samantha was hospitalized due to a severe case of Covid-19 and has since been unable to work due to lingering symptoms. During this period, she received a letter informing her that she is being sued by Upstate Community General for $3000 for a co-pay from a hospitalization in 2014. While Samantha explores her legal options regarding the medical bills, we want to offer her our financial solidarity, so that she is able to focus on her health rather than the stress of medical bills. 

Here is Samatha’s story in her own words: 

“Back in 2014 I was diagnosed with bipolar , borderline personality disorder, and an eating disorder. I was in and out of the psychiatric floor at Community General Hospital, and St. Joseph’s Hospital. During my first time at Community General in May of that year I was diagnosed and treated for bipolar. Apparently there was a co-pay I personally was not aware of that wasn’t paid at that time. Since I was extremely suicidal and depressed I was not keeping track of hospital bills at that time. I was on my Mother’s health insurance since I was only 21, and had just left my job to work on my mental health.

In the last 7 years I have been in the hospital with a number of health issues. I was not aware of this debt that was slowly increasing by the year.

In late February 2021, as I am recovering from Covid-19, I am also dealing with fraud on my bank account that the bank is holding me accountable to pay back over $3000. Then, I get served court papers from Upstate Community General saying that I owe $3000, and that I need to contact the Attorney General to pay back the debt. I am being charged for late fees and court fees 7 years later for a co-pay I was not aware that I even had. No one has called me, I have not received bills in the mail. This all came as a shock as I am simply trying to just recover from this deadly virus that has taken me out of working full time.”

Please donate  to support Samantha. We are aiming to raise $3000. Any amount helps. If you are unable to donate, please share this fundraiser with friends. Thank you!