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James Ippolito's Story: I walked away from back pain.

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Time to Make the Donuts
For years James Ippolito's job as a doughnut maker in the Boston area required him to stand for long periods of time. The cement floors, coupled with heavy lifting, took a toll on his back and legs.

He began having trouble with his legs, feeling numbness when he walked, several years after he left the food business. He lived with the pain in his lower back and the numbness in his legs until the condition got in the way of his active lifestyle.

Time to Make a Change
James loves to sing karaoke, but could not belt out a tune without sitting. Walking was a slow and painful process. Getting around his neighborhood and participating in group activities became almost impossible. James and his wife planned a trip to Ireland, and despite his condition, decided to make the journey.

"I had to stand up several times on the plane," James says. "I could never really get comfortable."

During the trip, James could walk only short distances. As a result, he missed out on several attractions.

"It was frustrating," he says.

Time of His Life
When he returned home, James met with neurological surgeon, Dean Lin, M.D., who diagnosed him with spinal stenosis, a condition of the narrowing of the spine. Following surgery, James returned to the active lifestyle he pursued years ago, which includes walking through his neighborhood, traveling and singing.

"I have no pain," James says. "When I see other people who look like I did, I want to tell them that there is help."

James had a number of people who were instrumental in his recovery, including physical therapist, Valerie Green.

"She really helped me, especially in those first few days," James says. "She was so encouraging and said I was doing well in my recovery."

James has progressed so far that he and his wife are planning another trip—this time to Italy.

"I'm really looking forward to that," James says. "This trip will be so different from the last one."

HIPAA

A charitable bequest is one or two sentences in your will or living trust that leave to Lee Health Foundation a specific item, an amount of money, a gift contingent upon certain events or a percentage of your estate.

an individual or organization designated to receive benefits or funds under a will or other contract, such as an insurance policy, trust or retirement plan

"I give to Lee Health Foundation, a nonprofit corporation currently located at 9800 South HealthPark Drive, Suite 405, Fort Myers, FL 33908, or its successor thereto, ______________ [written amount or percentage of the estate or description of property] for its unrestricted use and purpose."

able to be changed or cancelled

A revocable living trust is set up during your lifetime and can be revoked at any time before death. They allow assets held in the trust to pass directly to beneficiaries without probate court proceedings and can also reduce federal estate taxes.

cannot be changed or cancelled

tax on gifts generally paid by the person making the gift rather than the recipient

the original value of an asset, such as stock, before its appreciation or depreciation

the growth in value of an asset like stock or real estate since the original purchase

the price a willing buyer and willing seller can agree on

The person receiving the gift annuity payments.

the part of an estate left after debts, taxes and specific bequests have been paid

a written and properly witnessed legal change to a will

the person named in a will to manage the estate, collect the property, pay any debt, and distribute property according to the will

A donor advised fund is an account that you set up but which is managed by a nonprofit organization. You contribute to the account, which grows tax-free. You can recommend how much (and how often) you want to distribute money from that fund to Lee Health Foundation or other charities. You cannot direct the gifts.

An endowed gift can create a new endowment or add to an existing endowment. The principal of the endowment is invested and a portion of the principal’s earnings are used each year to support our mission.

Tax on the growth in value of an asset—such as real estate or stock—since its original purchase.

Securities, real estate or any other property having a fair market value greater than its original purchase price.

Real estate can be a personal residence, vacation home, timeshare property, farm, commercial property or undeveloped land.

A charitable remainder trust provides you or other named individuals income each year for life or a period not exceeding 20 years from assets you give to the trust you create.

You give assets to a trust that pays our organization set payments for a number of years, which you choose. The longer the length of time, the better the potential tax savings to you. When the term is up, the remaining trust assets go to you, your family or other beneficiaries you select. This is an excellent way to transfer property to family members at a minimal cost.

You fund this type of trust with cash or appreciated assets—and may qualify for a federal income tax charitable deduction when you itemize. You can also make additional gifts; each one also qualifies for a tax deduction. The trust pays you, each year, a variable amount based on a fixed percentage of the fair market value of the trust assets. When the trust terminates, the remaining principal goes to Lee Health Foundation as a lump sum.

You fund this trust with cash or appreciated assets—and may qualify for a federal income tax charitable deduction when you itemize. Each year the trust pays you or another named individual the same dollar amount you choose at the start. When the trust terminates, the remaining principal goes to Lee Health Foundation as a lump sum.

A beneficiary designation clearly identifies how specific assets will be distributed after your death.

A charitable gift annuity involves a simple contract between you and Lee Health Foundation where you agree to make a gift to Lee Health Foundation and we, in return, agree to pay you (and someone else, if you choose) a fixed amount each year for the rest of your life.
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