My neighbors are a very close extended family. When the married son lost his job several years ago, it took him forever to find another one. He went from making $75K a year to nothing, and any work he did find was contractual and short-lived. They burned through their savings and retirement trying to hold onto their stuff. His parents eventually stepped in to help him hold onto his house (although all their toys disappeared rather quickly).
Then the father had a major heart attack and is out on permanent disability. The parent's income went to roughly 40% of what they originally had coming in, so they couldn't help their son's family anymore. The sister then stepped in, using her retirement and savings to help both the parents and the brother.
Four months ago, after repeatedly complaining of back pains, an x-ray revealed numerous tumors in her breasts. A double mascetomy and additional surgery revealed that she not only had breast cancer, but that it had moved into the bones in her spine. She was let go from her job because she couldn't return to work at the end of her medical leave (she's still on chemo and fighting for her life), and now has no job and trying to pay for COBRA medical insurance.
I fully expect all of them to declare bankruptcy, not because they were foolish, but because they tried to help each other out and then got slammed with medical bills.
Good heavens.
This is the exact type of situation in which bankruptcy is legitimate.
However, it is the exception.