With a legacy gift, lifelong teachers continue to invest in the future
Joan and Gordon Stevenson first visited The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto after experiencing a terrifying new-parent moment: their four-month-old son David managed to roll off the examining table at their pediatrician's office. Although the baby seemed fine, the pediatrician insisted he be taken to SickKids for observation.Dr. Bernard Laski, a senior physician at SickKids at the time, was "absolutely amazing," says Mrs. Stevenson. "When unusual new baby problems came up, Dr. Laski was there when needed at all times. I spoke to him personally, any time, with any problem."
Voicing a thought shared by probably every young parent ever, she says, "I knew nothing about babies. Dr. Laski was there to explain and comfort.
"Together, we made a good team," she says.
"When we look at children, our own and others, we are looking at the doctors, lawyers, teachers and leaders of the future," says Mr. Stevenson. "They can only realize their potential," he adds, "if they are expertly diagnosed and properly nurtured."
"When we look at children, our own and others, we are looking at the doctors, lawyers, teachers and leaders of the future."
While it was Dr. Laski who first inspired the Stevensons' commitment to SickKids, it is their experience as teachers and parents that convinced them to leave a legacy gift in their will to help further the hospital's work.
In addition to their own planned gifts, the Stevensons are passionate advocates for SickKids Foundation.
"Children are the future of our society," says Mrs. Stevenson. "If you educate and look after a child in every way, everyone benefits. We want to see the work of SickKids, with the commitment, dedication and the love they have for all these children – not only with their illness, but for the whole child – to continue and get better and better. With world-class research, not only are you feeling the benefit in the present but you're helping to ensure that our country and society is going to be the best it can be."
The Stevensons stress that the research and services of SickKids can only be maintained with the support of ordinary Canadians, the multitudes of middle-class people who may not think of themselves as significant donors. "You don't have to be multimillionaires to contribute in this way," says Mr. Stevenson. "We are not. If many people make smaller contributions, these add up and provide great possibilities for all of us in Canada and the world."
This article originally appeared in Estate Planning and Wills, a Globe and Mail sponsor content feature on 6 November 2017, produced by RandallAnthony Communications for The Globe and Mail’s Custom Content Studio. Reprinted with permission. All rights reserved.
Photo credit: Holly Culumovic
