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Lee Memorial Helps Fend Off 'Silent Killer'

Anne Nelson Grateful for Compassionate Care at Cancer Center
"I didn't know it could come back," Anne Nelson remembers.

After undergoing a hysterectomy and chemotherapy treatment 17 years ago for ovarian cancer, physicians gave Anne a clean bill of health but 12 years later, the cancer returned.

In 2008, Anne says she was, "just not feeling right." A CT scan confirmed her fears. Yet, this time around, the experience was very different for Anne. "So much has changed from when I was first diagnosed."

Anne began her second battle with cancer at Lee Memorial Health System's Regional Cancer Center. "The Regional Cancer Center is a warm and comfortable place," Anne says. "I'm spoiled now."

Though nervous every time she goes for treatment or a blood test, Anne notes, "I calm down at the cancer center. The staff is very supportive, so upbeat."

"We don't really understand the true history of ovarian cancer; it's called the ‘silent killer' because only about 10-15 percent of women learn they have it in stage 1, when it's confined to the ovaries," Gynecologic oncologist James Orr, M.D. says. "Now, with the right surgery and chemotherapy, we've increased the survival rate to about 60 percent."

When asked what she would say to someone considering a gift to the Regional Cancer Center, Anne says, "Just do it!" "Because you're saving lives and it (money) is going to the right place."

Improving a life, treating a cancer patient, building a healthy community...one family at a time...requires a commitment to excellence, like that found at the Regional Cancer Center. It also requires people willing to make a financial gift that ensures a comfortable place and compassionate care for cancer patients like Anne.

You can do just that with a gift today to Partners in Philanthropy, the Foundation's annual giving program. Your gift...whether $25, $100, $1,000 or more makes a difference and helps Lee Memorial Health System continue to provide a patient-centered, comprehensive cancer care to the people of Southwest Florida.

Please consider a generous gift, because without people like you, the Regional Cancer Center would not be what it is today.

Your support for our work is very much appreciated. Thank you for giving the gifts of hope and health to people who need it in our community.

Sincerely,

Sharon MacDonald
Vice President Oncology Services

P.S. Did you know May is National Cancer Research Month? Please take a moment and consider how a gift in your estate plan to Partners in Philanthropy can help discover effective treatments for those battling cancer right here in our community. Thank you

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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."

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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.

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the price a willing buyer and willing seller can agree on

The person receiving the gift annuity payments.

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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.

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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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