My question involves collection proceedings in the State of: Illinois
I'm going to give as much detail as I can think of and hopefully someone can offer me some advice. I don't know where to go from here.
I had approximately $2,000 in credit card debt from an account I opened when I was 16. (It was a credit card through work.) It was turned over to a collection agency and was on my credit report.
In October of 2006 I had emergency surgery. The only medical insurance I have is through my school, and it caps at $15,000 per diagnosis. After insurance paid all it would, I owed approximately $10,000. While we were in the process of filling out their financial aid forms, the debt was turned over to a collection agency and we are unsure whether or not we can still utilize their aid program. (Assuming not, I'm considering that part of my debt.)
I've since had many more surgeries, but at a different hospital that writes off all the costs because of our family income.
My total debt on my credit report is approximately $12,000 dollars, but my mother is suggesting that I consider bankruptcy.
I'm a full time student from a family with an income of less than $13,000 a year.
ANY advice is welcome. I have no idea what to do.

