How One Woman’s Commitment Became a Family Legacy

A legacy is not born out of a single decision. Instead, it often comes from a lifetime of dedication. One manageable act of generosity leads to volunteering, perhaps a donation of goods, and eventually maybe a regular financial donation. Over time, our involvement in the organizations that matter to us becomes part of our life values, delivering meaning and purpose in powerful ways. Those values can be woven into the family, providing a centering bond that gets passed down through generations. Dr. Anita D’Sa is one such story.

In honor of National Estate Planning Awareness Week (October 19th to 25th), read on to learn how St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital came to hold an essential place in Anita and her family’s life.

A connection rooted in care

In 1976, Anita left her native India and came to Memphis for pediatric training. She began a residency at St. Jude, caring for children with cancer. The work was both heartbreaking and hopeful. Anita was inspired by the level of research at the hospital, directly affecting the chances and healing of patients. She also loved the support St. Jude provided to patients’ families. “I felt like it was a unique situation where the child gets the care and parents get comfort,” she recalls.

Starting small

Anita eventually moved away from Memphis, but she remained dedicated to St. Jude and their work. She and her late husband began making regular financial contributions, donating what they could afford. “We sent whatever we could,” she recalls. “Then, it gradually grew.” The couple liked how their steady commitment allowed them to stay connected to the organization and became a reflection of their values.

Continuing the legacy

These days, Anita has also passed those values on to her son and daughter. Regular conversations about family, philanthropy, and making an impact have helped Anita’s children, Ajit and Anila, understand the importance of giving back and the causes that matter most to their family. Anita and Ajit also took a meaningful trip to the St. Jude campus. “I started to realize how important the work is,” Ajit says, reflecting on the visit. “This is how medical advances happen.” Today, Anita continues to support St. Jude through charitable gift planning, as well as talking with her children about the importance of what they can do as a family and the legacy she hopes to create.

Estate planning can be a beautiful way to imbue your values—and those of your family—with long-lasting impact. As you make plans to care for future generations, you can also ensure that your legacy supports causes that matter to all of you. Don’t be afraid to start small. As the D’Sa family discovered, even a single act of generosity can spark a legacy of influence and change for years to come.

Click here to learn more about leaving a legacy of your own with St. Jude.