It is difficult when families in New York or elsewhere are faced with an injury or illness that forces a loved one to be hospitalized. In some cases, the family member may need surgery or extensive treatments. In addition to the medical emergency, families may also be faced with mounting medical debt. That is the case for one family who tragically lost their daughter and wife to a skiing accident earlier this month.

Sarah Burke was a four-time X Games champion skier. The 29-year-old skier loved the sport, and is credited with introducing women's superpipe skiing to the X Games.

Tragically, on Jan. 10 she was seriously injured when she crashed during a training run. Lack of oxygen and blood from cardiac arrest caused her to suffer major brain damage. She succumbed to her injuries nine days later.

During her stay in the hospital the skier underwent surgery. She was also placed on life support. Now, in addition to grieving their loss, her family is faced with large medical bills. They have even set up a website to receive donations. They are hoping to raise $550,000. A few days ago, they had already raised $108,999.

It is devastating to lose a loved one, and medical debt can make a tragic situation even worse. Fortunately, there are options for individuals and families facing medical debt. Often, people find that bankruptcy is the best option to eliminate medical debt. Medical debt is considered the number one cause of bankruptcy, but can be a step in the right direction for those who are faced with considerable debt.

Source: Los Angeles Times, "Sarah Burke's family has to pay extensive medical bills," Jan. 20, 2012