Kindness Repaid: Doctor Rescued by His Patients

For nearly 40 years, Dr. Michael Zollicoffer - affectionately known as Dr. Z - has been a beacon of kindness in his community.

Credit: CBS News

The 66-year-old pediatrician never let money stand in the way of care of his patients in Baltimore, kindly treating patients even if they could not pay.

Now, after a cancer diagnosis left him struggling to afford his own treatment, his patients are stepping up to return the favor. Because, as they say, one good turn deserves another.

“Forget that dollar bill,” he often told his patients. “You walk in that door, you will be seen. You bring your grandma with you, I’ll see her, too.”

Dr. Z dedicated his life to helping others, taking no real vacations and making himself available to patients 24/7. But when he was diagnosed with cancer a few months ago, a paperwork issue with his Medicare plan left him without insurance to cover his radiation treatments.

That’s when the community he served decided it was their turn to take care of him. His patients launched a GoFundMe campaign, raising over $250,000 (thus far) of the $300,000 target to ensure he gets all the care he needs. “Dr. Z will not give up on you, so we damn sure ain’t giving up on him,” said Ray Beverly, a longtime patient.

Despite the hardship, Dr. Z remains overwhelmingly grateful. “I’m thankful that I got cancer because I am the happiest man on the planet, no matter what the outcome,” he told CBS News, his voice filled with emotion. “What we have shown - and why we're sitting at this table right now - is to show America that this is what we’re about. We are about giving! I can’t make it without them, nor can they make it without me.”