A generous bequest supports families at Randall Children's Hospital

Harold Thoeny loved to ski. He loved the family cabin on Mount Hood and the annual trips to Whistler with his brother and his nephews.

Harold was a frugal man, but also quite generous. Before he died in 2016, he finalized the details of his estate and left instructions to support Randall Children's Hospital at Legacy Emanuel. By planning ahead, Harold's legacy is helping countless children recover from trauma and win their battle against cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.

Harold lived most of his life in the Oregon City area. After serving in the Navy during the Korean War, he came home to work for many years at a Portland television station. He also dabbled in real estate. He didn't have children of his own. But Harold was particularly close to his extended family. He decided to support Randall Children's after several discussions with a favorite niece.

Harold's gift supports the hospital's Child Life Specialists, who are funded through philanthropy. The Child Life team ensures the hospital is a healing and nurturing place for children and their families.

Child Life Specialists help children heal through play. They also reduce trauma for children and families; preparing children for surgery and cancer treatments; helping with pain relief, grief and loss; guiding parents in explaining cancer diagnoses to siblings; and giving children a voice to help them remain calm during stressful medical events.

Despite the overwhelming evidence of the transformational impact of the Child Life program, this service is not covered by insurance. Philanthropic support for Child Life is critical for the program's ongoing success.

Harold's estate plan made settling his affairs much easier. His generosity will have an impact at Randall Children's Hospital for many years to come.

You have the power to make a difference for generations of children, too, when you include a gift to Legacy Health in your estate plan. Contact Joshua Goldstein, MBA (he/him) at 503-413-3501 or jigoldst@lhs.org to learn how.