$550 million in medical debt relief for over 261,000 people led by generous gift from Snap co-founder Evan Spiegel and wife Miranda Kerr

In a heartwarming demonstration of compassion amid America’s ongoing healthcare affordability challenges, Snap Inc. co-founder and CEO Evan Spiegel and his wife, the renowned model and KORA Organics founder Miranda Kerr, have stepped up in a truly meaningful way.

Through a multimillion-dollar donation to the nonprofit Undue Medical Debt, the couple has helped wipe away more than $550 million in medical debt for over 261,000 Californians, offering these families a fresh start at a time when many are juggling rising living costs and unexpected health burdens.

This transformative gift works through Undue Medical Debt’s proven approach: the organization buys bundles of unpaid medical bills—often for just pennies on the dollar—from hospitals, doctors, and collection agencies, then simply erases them. No applications, no strings attached. Qualifying families, typically those earning up to about $100,000 for a family of four or facing medical bills that consume more than 5% of their income, will begin receiving surprise letters in the mail starting mid-July, letting them know their debts have been lifted.

The impact stretches across the state, touching both big cities and smaller communities. San Diego County sees the biggest boost, with roughly $99 million in relief for more than 40,000 people. Riverside and San Bernardino counties follow closely behind, alongside strong support in places like San Joaquin, Los Angeles, Stanislaus, and others. It’s the kind of help that can ease years of stress for everyday families trying to focus on healing rather than bills.

“When someone is sick or recovering, the focus should be on healing and caring for the people you love, not on bills that can follow a family for years,” Spiegel and Kerr shared. “We hope this relief gives families more peace of mind and more room to prioritize their health, their loved ones, and their future.” Miranda Kerr has emphasized how, when a loved one is unwell, all you want is to support their recovery without the shadow of financial worry hanging over everything.

Allison Sesso, president and CEO of Undue Medical Debt, described the gift as astonishing in its reach. With one in four American adults carrying medical debt—a burden that often leads to bankruptcy, delayed care, anxiety, and tough choices like picking between groceries and prescriptions—the couple’s support aligns with a simple but powerful belief: no one should face financial ruin from getting sick. “We’re so grateful that Evan Spiegel and Miranda Kerr share our belief that no one should go bankrupt because of a cancer diagnosis,” Sesso noted. The organization has now erased more than $40 billion in medical debt nationwide, but moments like this remind us of the very human difference targeted giving can make.

One recipient’s story captures the emotional power of this work. Brooklyn, from Woodland, California, recalled the weight of over $4,600 in ambulance bills after a traumatic 2018 car accident while raising her daughter alone and returning to school. When her forgiveness letter arrived, she cried tears of relief and hope: “This isn’t just about debt—it’s about someone believing I deserved a second chance.”

This act of generosity fits into Spiegel and Kerr’s broader pattern of quiet, impactful giving. The Los Angeles-based couple previously covered student loans for an entire graduating class at Otis College of Art and Design and contributed significantly to recovery efforts after the devastating 2025 wildfires that claimed Spiegel’s childhood home in Pacific Palisades. As Fortune highlighted, Spiegel isn’t always the loudest voice in philanthropy, yet his contributions—joining the ranks of major donors like MacKenzie Scott who have long backed Undue Medical Debt—show a thoughtful commitment to California communities that have shaped his life.

In an era where wealth and generosity are increasingly in the spotlight, stories like this one from Evan Spiegel and Miranda Kerr stand out for their directness and humanity. By partnering with Undue Medical Debt, they’re not only clearing balances but also restoring dignity and possibility for thousands of families across the Golden State.

As more letters go out this summer, the ripple effects—less financial strain, better health focus, and renewed hope—will be felt for years to come. It’s a powerful reminder that thoughtful philanthropy can bridge gaps where systems fall short, one family at a time.