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.

When Tom received a sizable check from a stock share program (part of his 401(k)) after the company he worked for was sold and the stock was cashed out, he contributed a generous gift to Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center's Breast Health Center. That included establishing a charitable gift annuity.

Throughout his life, Legacy Health has cared for him and his family. "I was born at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center," he says. And, when he survived a single-engine plane crash 34 years ago, Legacy Emanuel was crucial to his five-year recovery. He also survived a heart attack at Legacy Mount Hood when he was 48. "This hospital has been good to me," Tom says, "I have nothing but praise for everyone who works in this building."

A native Oregonian and former broadcast engineer, Tom is on the board of trustees at Mount Hood Medical Center Foundation. He says, "I'm thrilled I could make a truly meaningful gift that will impact so many lives, while receiving a substantial tax savings and a guaranteed income for life."

Legacy Mount Hood, East County's full-service community hospital, offers advanced medical technology combined with compassionate care. Its nationally certified cardiovascular rehabilitation program, breast health center, gastroenterology clinic and the area's most modern emergency department serve the growing need for advanced services in Gresham and eastern Multnomah County.