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Published 17:37 IST, June 9th 2020

Michael Thomas helps raise $2.3 million to clear medical debt in New Orleans

Earlier this week, Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas helped raise $2.3 million to clear the medical debt of underprivileged families in New Orleans.

Reported by: Daniel Arambur
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Michael Thomas
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It's been a rough couple of months for citizens of the United States. First, the country (New York City in particular) was hit by the coronavirus pandemic that has now infected almost two million people while taking the lives of more than 110,000 citizens. Now, the tragic death of African-American citizen George Floyd by four Minneapolis police personnel has led to nationwide protests over the last 10 days. Amidst this chaos, New Orleans Saints star Michael Thomas is trying to bring about some positive change by helping out the underprivileged members of his community. The Saints wide receiver recently helped raise $2.3 million in donations to clear a huge chunk of New Orleans medical debt amid the ongoing pandemic.

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Michael Thomas donation towards New Orleans medical debt

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Michael Thomas helps raise $2.3 million to clear New Orleans medical debt

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Michael Thomas donation towards clearing New Orleans medical debt

In an official statement from New Orleans Saints, it was revealed that Michael Thomas teamed up with RIP Medical Debt to relieve more than $2 million in past-due medical debts for over 1,025 New Orleans residents who cannot afford to make the payments. Michael Thomas was quoted in the statement as saying, "I'm honoured to support my community in this way and make an impact in the city that's been so welcoming to me from the minute I came here. I hope these families receive a little relief in knowing their medical bills have been taken care of during these very difficult times in our country." RIP Medical Debt is a non-profit organisation that buys and relieves medical debt across the United States, working with donors, philanthropists, and organisations to provide financial relief for those burdened by increasing medical bills.

Last month, Michael Thomas partnered with Raising Cane's founder Todd Graves to donate over 3,000 Raising Cane's meals for local Ochsner Health Systems employees. The Saints star also spoke on the Black Lives Matter movement that is raging on in the country and across the globe via video message involving other NFL stars. He also accepted Drew Brees apology regarding the latter's previous statements on Colin Kaepernick and kneeling down as a form of protest during the American national anthem.

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NFL Black Lives Matter video featuring Michael Thomas

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Updated 17:37 IST, June 9th 2020