Grateful grandparents leave a gift in their will to support the hospital that cared for family members
When Alan and Sheila
O’Brien became grandparents, they experienced the importance of having specialized pediatric care close to home. Their grandson was airlifted to McMaster Children’s Hospital for treatment when he was born very prematurely in
Niagara Falls. A few years later, their granddaughter was diagnosed with Mitochondrial disease, a terminal illness. “She is the happiest child you’ll ever meet,” says Sheila in a testament to the exceptional teams at McMaster Children’s Hospital. “The care provided by every department has been unbelievable.”
The O’Briens have always been committed to social causes, and their personal experience with their grandchildren inspired them to become monthly supporters. “McMaster Children’s Hospital became a big part of our lives. We’ve been very fortunate in the life that we lead, so why not pay it forward to charitable organizations that we really trust and believe in?”
Arranging for a gift in their will to support McMaster Children’s Hospital was always something they had considered doing, according to Alan. In the future, it would give other families the continued access to life-saving care for their kids and grandkids.
“When we were doing our will a few years ago, we decided that we would leave a legacy gift. It was always our intention, but we decided to make it more formal in case something happened to us,” says Alan.
“Some people shy away from leaving a legacy gift because they want to leave everything they have to their children,” says Alan. “We realized that one way we can help our children and grandchildren now is by being monthly donors to McMaster Children’s Hospital Foundation, while also helping them in the future with a gift in our will. This can also help our grandchildren’s children.”
Sheila’s inspiration for being a legacy donor is quite simple:
“We wanted to give back and make a difference,” she says. “It’s the right thing to do.”
Making a gift in your will is quite simple and does not need to affect what you have set aside for your family members. You can arrange to take care of family first while also including a gift that benefits our patients and hospitals in your community. Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation raises funds in support of Hamilton General Hospital, Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre, McMaster Children’s Hospital, St. Peter’s Hospital and all of their associated programs. This includes McMaster University Medical Centre, Ron Joyce Children’s Health Centre and the Regional Rehabilitation Centre.
The Legacy team at Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation is happy to help you. Contact Carrie at legacy@hhsc.ca or call 905-575-6383.