"PAYING FORWARD" LIFE'S BLESSINGS TO STRENGTHEN QUALITY CARE

Twelve years ago, Donald Kessler had just retired from his job as a real estate agent/investor when he began looking for opportunities to keep busy. "I applied to several local organizations, and the first one to respond back was St. Jude Medical Center," Don says. What transpired for Don and his wife, Joyce, was a deep and meaningful relationship with St. Jude.

Don's volunteer position with the Outpatient Surgery Center allowed him to reach out to patients who were in recovery. "My shift was the fastest four hours I have ever spent," he says. "What a rewarding experience that was for me, as well as a wonderful working environment with some of the nicest nurses and doctors."

Following back surgery, Don found himself on the other side of the bed. "The care I received while a patient was outstanding," he says, adding that he now only goes to medical groups affiliated with St. Jude. "That is how much confidence I have in the medical practice of this organization."

Beyond Great Medical Care
The Kesslers have also been very impressed with the wellness opportunities offered through St. Jude. Recently, a seminar they attended-It's Your Money, by Peter Kote-made a lasting impact on the couple. "That was a major event for us in that several of the warning signs of a poor relationship with your financial planner were brought to the surface," Joyce says. "We had been unhappy with our advisor, and when we heard what questions to ask and what to look for in a financial planner, we knew we had to make a change-and soon!"

Paying It Forward
As Don and Joyce met with their new advisor and began to plan their estate, they made a very important decision-they decided to name St. Jude as a beneficiary of a percentage of their estates through their living trusts.

"There are some things you have control over, and some things you don't. Between our four adult children, we have no grandchildren. Our adult children do not need any financial assistance from us," Joyce explains. "As much as we would love to be called 'grandparents,' that just isn't going to happen."

Don adds, "We want our hard-earned money to help someone who really needs medical care but requires some extra help in obtaining it. We feel our legacy would be best in 'paying it forward' and doing something for someone else."

Making a lasting gift through their estates means the world to the Kesslers. As Joyce says, "It is a legacy that will live long past our time here."