What Will Your Legacy Be? Heidi is Giving Back

What does it mean to leave a legacy? Is it something to remember you by? A celebration of the things you value? Does a legacy let you connect a thread between your past and someone else’s future? How about all of the above?

August is National Make-A-Will Month and, as such, it’s a wonderful time to consider plans for a legacy that will be meaningful for you and your loved ones. Thinking ahead now can bring peace in the future when you know that the causes you believe in will have your continued support.

Why Legacy Giving Matters

Legacy giving is a form of charitable giving in which you dedicate a portion of your assets to a nonprofit or institution¹. These planned gifts can include bequests (a specific amount set aside in your will) as well as beneficiary designations – when an organization receives the remainder of a specific account or policy. Whatever the donated amount, the beauty of legacy giving is being able to imbue your assets with intention, so they support the causes you care about for years to come.

For Heidi Griffin, this idea is a deeply personal one.

Heidi’s Story

When Heidi Griffin was two years old, she was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia. Her pediatrician recommended St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for her treatment. There, Heidi was placed in an experimental program with 35 other children – one of the first times a mix of chemotherapy and radiation treatments was used. The trial was successful for 11 children, including Heidi.

“When I was being treated, there was hope,” she remembers today. “Everybody was so supportive. I felt so lucky to have the St. Jude doctors and nurses caring for me.” Heidi wants to pass along that hope to other families and so, she has designated St. Jude as a beneficiary in her will. “[My contribution] will help with treatment for all the kids, whether they’re going through something similar to me or need other support. St. Jude saved my life and giving back to them is very important to me.”

The Power of Planning Ahead

For Heidi, including St. Jude in her will continues the work that once saved her life, paying the hope forward for future generations. It’s never too late to add a bequest to your trust and/or will. Even a small percentage can make a meaningful difference. Let National Make-A-Will Month inspire you to transform ideas into action.

How to Support a Cause Important to You

To set up your legacy gift, start by creating a will or an estate plan. If you already have one in place, speak with a financial advisor or estate planner to map out the next best steps.

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital provides support and cutting-edge treatment for children with cancer and other life-threatening diseases. They help children from around the world and share their research globally. Families never receive a bill for medical, housing, travel, or food costs², so donor support, including gifts like Heidi’s, is essential for St. Jude to achieve its mission.