Imagine a world where you didn’t have to worry or wonder about the health and safety of future generations. Imagine a world where everyone had access to food, shelter, water, a clean environment, medical care and education. When you dream of the future, what do you imagine?
Ninety-three-year-old cancer survivor Peter Gage imagines a world free of cancer. In fact, he believes a world without cancer is not just a fantasy, it’s a reality. One he is committed to helping make happen.
“I am convinced that although I will not live to see it, there will come a day when we have a world without cancer,” says Peter.
In hopes of creating a cancer-free world, Peter has graciously decided to support the BC Cancer Foundation by naming the organization as a beneficiary in his will. (The BC Cancer Foundation is the fundraising partner of the BC Cancer Agency and the largest charitable funder of cancer research in BC.)
Peter’s life has been touched by cancer multiple times. In addition to having had major surgery for colon cancer four years ago himself, his youngest son recently died at age 59 from leukemia, and he has other friends battling this terrible disease.
Despite his loss, Peter has a unique zest for life and ability to see the positive side of every challenge he faces.
“I enjoy giving… it just makes sense for me to give back to the BC Cancer Foundation,” he says. “I am lucky that I survived.”
Peter is a man that has endured many tragedies. He believes his desire to give stems from serving six years in the Royal Navy, all during wartime and mostly in enemy waters. He is thankful he survived the war and feels compelled to never complain about life’s circumstances.
“It’s not a bad idea to try to live each day as if it is your last,” says Peter. “I am 93. I am just approaching getting elderly! I have given up my car, which I miss, but on the other hand I have probably saved the lives of pedestrians by doing so. I cannot walk without a walker, or holding onto the arm of a pretty girl, but I still get out daily.”
Peter took up painting at age 90. Beyond being a legacy donor, he recently donated blank notecards with his paintings inscribed for use at the Vancouver Island Branch of the BC Cancer Agency.
“As a cancer patient, I was treated so well,” he says. “I’m so impressed by the professionalism of everyone, from the researchers to technicians that I’ve met at the BC Cancer Agency. I like knowing the money I donate will go to help research in our province.”
Like Peter, Ellen and Howard Kennett have also made charitable provisions in their wills, in hopes that future generations will have access to better healthcare. The couple’s generous legacy donation has been gifted to Peace Arch Hospital, located in their community.
“Howard and I have lived in White Rock for 60 years, and we feel we, and our families, have received exceptional care at Peace Arch Hospital,” says Ellen. “Howard and I are not particularly well-to-do, but we are pleased to remember Peace Arch Hospital in our wills. We felt we should become legacy donors to help provide care for future generations… It is so important to ensure our community has a hospital with the best medical equipment.”
Ellen’s history of service to the Hospital is long and distinguished.
“When I moved to White Rock in May 1954, our hospital was not yet open,” says Ellen. “Once it was, there was a great need to purchase equipment. When my children were a little older, I became a member of the Hilltop Group of Auxiliary. My donation in those early years was my time and a lot of baking.”
Ellen and Howard, who married after both being widowed, have 10 children between them. Despite a very busy family life, Ellen has always made time to contribute and help enhance the services at Peace Arch Hospital.
She served for four years as president of the auxiliary, 12 years on the Hospital Board of Trustees, including two years as Chair, and a two-year term as the Peace Arch Hospital Foundation’s first Board Chair.
Despite her years of service to the hospital, Ellen says her work is still not finished. She has been asked to serve on the Foundation’s Partners in Caring Committee as a liaison; she can be found out in the community speaking about the early history and importance of health care in the area.
“Volunteering is a great way to meet people and to feel involved in the community – a wonderful way of feeling belonging,” says Ellen. “This community is a wonderful place to live because of the contribution of time and money by so many generous people… It is important for people to remember that no gift is too small.”
For more information about including a financial gift (or legacy donation) to a charitable organization through your will, speak to a legal advisor experienced in will preparation.
Learn more about the BC Cancer Foundation: https://bccancerfoundation.com/
Learn more about the Peace Arch Hospital: http://www.pahfoundation.ca/
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