Crowdfunding for Medical Expenses

Description

'When a friend or relative needs help paying medical bills, many Americans are turning their social network into a safety net through a growing number of online fundraising platforms. But some observers say these websites are a symptom of the failing health care system in the United States — and hardly a solution. Websites like GiveForward, IndieGoGo, GoFundMe and YouCaring have been launched in the US over the past five years. GiveForward is the only site primarily focused on medical campaigns, and cofounder Ethan Austin says he’s seen people raise US$50 000 in a day.' (http://www.crowdsourcing.org/document/crowdfunding-for-medical-expenses/10032)

Examples

'There is always the possibility of abuse of Internet fundraising, as evidenced by the case of Ashley Kirilow of Burlington, Ontario, who in 2010 faked having cancer and used a Facebook page to help raise thousands of dollars. Dresser suggests it might be more effective to donate that money to a registered charity or a nonprofit group that has a systematic way of distributing funds.' (http://www.crowdsourcing.org/document/crowdfunding-for-medical-expenses/10032)