In my opinion, spending ones last quality time worrying about money is a waste. If I were him I would let the creditors do what ever. Part of the risk of being a creditor is that these situations happen. Don't worry about the credit companies. Check with a competent attorney in your state and find out what the limits a credit company has then tell him not to worry about it anymore.

Mark, 21 Year survivor, SCC right tonsil, 3 nodes positive, one with extra-capsular spread. I never asked what stage (would have scared me anyway) Right side tonsillectomy, radical neck dissection right side, maximum radiation to both sides, no chemo, no PEG, age 40 when diagnosed.