http://usnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/20...er-sarah-burke
in the article it discusses the medical bills (totals revised downwards), insurance that could have been purchased, that canada does pay the medical bills of it's citizens when they are treated outside the country (but off canada's price list-you'd have to pay the difference if it's higher)etc.
note that the lowered bill is more than covered by donations.
i find it odd that people would donate-i have no doubt that this young lady had funds to pay bills. she wasn't a down on her luck person, but a sponsored olympic champ. but what people do with their money is their business.
as for people here declaring bankruptcy due to medical-people here declare bankruptcy for a variety of reasons. perhaps the bankruptcy laws are too lenient? people become awash in debt for many reasons, so like the catholic church, do a bit of penance and you're good to go. many don't declare even when faced with high bills-they pay what they can when they can.