Why We Give

Estate Gift Deepens Family Connection To CARES Northwest

Not many human resources professionals have had the unique assignment of onboarding a dog to their organization’s staff. Sue Girvan is one of those lucky few. In addition to adding a bit of variety to her work, the experience helped create a lasting connection between Sue and CARES Northwest.

Making a difference

As June Wiyrick Flores toured Randall Children's Hospital at Legacy Emanuel, she imagined how much easier her husband's hospital experience as a teenager would have been if this family-focused setting existed. When Brian Flores was 16, he was diagnosed with a golf ball-size brain tumor.

Thankful for the gift of life

From a very young age, Gary Pope has been a saver. "I don't have a lot of needs," he says. "If the TV works, the car starts and I have food, everything else is a plus."

Giving with a plan in his heart

Tom Cauthers is no stranger to cancer. His wife, Margaret, passed away in 2008 from lung cancer, his younger brother succumbed to male breast cancer and he continues to have recurring bouts of skin cancer.

A win-win-win

Fueled by their desire to help others, Douglas and Heather Greene's generosity has touched many diverse organizations, including Legacy Health. They recently made two significant contributions to Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center—a $60,000 charitable gift annuity for a scholarship fund and a $500,000 transformational pledge to the Breast Health Center.

A change-maker

For more than 25 years, Dorothea Beckwith was there for families during some of their most worrisome days. As a volunteer in the intensive care unit at Legacy Meridian Park Medical Center, she signed visitors in so they could be with their loved one.

Changing lives

For Jill and Dave Mertens, giving back to their community comes naturally. "We grew up in families where—by example—we were taught to serve, whether it's serving through giving dollars or time," Dave says.

IRA gift creates educational opportunities

Donating their IRA was an easy choice for the Finks because it can have tax advantages, is free to set up and is as simple as filling out a form with their IRA administrator.

Young couple makes estate commitment to CARES Northwest

Jenny and Adam Burns know you don’t have to reach a certain age before you can make a meaningful difference. This young couple hopes to inspire others with their estate gift to Legacy Health.

Passing on the love

Will and Sherry Rosenfeld feel a strong connection with their neighborhood hospital. Will, a fifth-generation Oregonian, was born in the Wilcox Building of Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center; his father was born there, too.

A generous bequest supports families at Randall Children's Hospital

Thanks to a gift in his estate plan, Harold Thoeny will help countless children find healing at Randall Children's Hospital for many years to come.

A loyal donor includes Legacy Health in her estate plan

When Kathi McCoy created her estate plan she knew she wanted to use it to give back, to make the world a better place. Her gift to Legacy Health helps accomplish that goal.

Critical care inspires generous gift

The phone call came in the middle of the night. Scott and Mary Peterson jumped out of bed and ran to their car.

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