'Too Poor to Be Invited': Dad Working 20 Hours a Day After Medical Crisis Breaks Down After Friend's Brutal Comment

A father in the United States has received widespread support after a video describing his financial struggles following a serious medical emergency went viral online. Andrey Borul shared a video on TikTok explaining how he drove into the mountains to collect snow for his children because he could no longer afford a family winter trip. The video has been viewed millions of times and has sparked discussion about the financial pressures many families face after medical crises.

Borul said the video was prompted by a comment he claims was made during a social gathering, where he and his wife were told they were no longer invited to certain events because they were considered 'too poor.' The remark came after a period of financial hardship following a severe illness in October 2025.

According to Borul, the infection affected his heart, lungs and liver and required surgery and an extended recovery period. Although much of the hospital treatment was covered by insurance, the loss of income during his recovery left the family struggling to keep up with household expenses.

Medical Emergency and Financial Strain

Borul said his health problems began when he was admitted to hospital with a high fever and breathing difficulties. Doctors performed procedures to drain an infection in his leg while he underwent intensive antibiotic treatment.

Although he eventually recovered, the time away from work left the household without its primary source of income for several weeks. Borul said that when he returned to work he found that most of his earnings were immediately consumed by bills and debt accumulated during his recovery.

He said he now works around 20 hours a day across multiple jobs to keep up with the family's financial obligations.

Social Exclusion and the 'Snow' Gesture

Borul said that the viral video was prompted by a conversation with friends about a proposed group trip to the mountains. According to his account, his wife suggested the families travel together so the children could play in the snow. He said a friend dismissed the idea, telling the couple they could not afford the trip and that they were no longer being invited to certain gatherings because their financial situation made others uncomfortable.

The following day, Borul drove to the mountains, filled the boot of his car with snow and brought it home so his children could play in their front garden. He recorded the moment to show that small efforts could still create meaningful experiences for his family.

Scale of the Medical Debt Crisis

The story has resonated widely online because it reflects a broader issue facing many American households. According to research from the Kaiser Family Foundation, roughly 100 million people in the United States carry some form of medical or dental debt.

The organisation estimates the total value of that debt at about $220 billion (£173 billion). Researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health say medical debt is one of the leading causes of financial hardship and bankruptcy in the country, including among people who have health insurance.

Studies have also shown that the loss of income during illness or recovery often contributes significantly to long-term financial instability.

International Support and Crowdfunding Success

After Borul's video spread widely online, supporters launched a GoFundMe campaign to help the family address their financial situation. Donations quickly arrived from people in several countries. As of March 2026, the campaign has raised more than $39,000 (£29,500), approaching its initial target of $45,000.

'I woke up with a total lightness in my chest,' Borul said in an update. 'Total strangers showed me more compassion than my own friends.'

He said the donations would be used to reduce the family's medical debt and allow him to cut back on his work schedule while he continues to recover.