Doctor treats patients even if they can't pay

Sometimes I forget just how good people can be, until a story like Dr. Michael Zollicoffer’s grabs my attention. Known as “Dr. Z” by his patients in one of Baltimore’s toughest neighborhoods, he’s spent nearly 40 years caring for families regardless of their ability to pay. Then he was diagnosed with not one but two separate cancers, and, in a cruel twist, discovered his own insurance had lapsed just when he needed it most.

Dr. Z gave so much—free care, round-the-clock access, unwavering compassion—he built his life around service. And when he became the one in need, his community rallied around him. Nearly 1,000 people raised over $100,000 so he could get treatment and recover. “Dr. Z will not give up on you, so we damn sure ain’t giving up on him,” one patient said.

In a world that often feels heavy with despair, Dr. Z’s story is a beautiful reminder that some of the most powerful medicine is loving kindness. This video brought me to tears.