A Change of Plans, Then a Planned Gift

In 2001 Janet Kovacs retired after 38 years as an elementary school teacher. Her husband John had retired from his career as an industrial designer at Univac six years earlier, and they had interesting retirement plans that included traveling and dividing time between their homes in Pennsylvania and the Chesapeake Bay region.

Unfortunately, a few months into their new life, John was diagnosed with advanced lung cancer. His only symptom was a pain in his hip that hurt enough to interfere with his golfing.

John was treated at Fox Chase and quickly agreed to participate in a clinical trial, and then in a second one. These clinical trials blessedly extended his life by many months. Janet was impressed with the compassionate care he received and felt confident they had chosen wisely. “It was clear that Fox Chase was at the forefront in both research and treatment plans,” she said.

After John passed, Janet was determined to do something to express her family’s gratitude for all that Fox Chase did for John over a remarkable 13 months. Her former neighbors Al and Barb Gabriele had been instrumental in the decision to choose Fox Chase for treatment and had been there through every step of John’s experience. The Gabrieles are longtime donors to Fox Chase, and Al is both a cancer survivor and former board member.

As they were chatting about various giving options, Janet mentioned that she had planned to sell her parents’ Florida condo. “Al had a eureka moment and suggested I could create a charitable remainder trust for Fox Chase. I had never heard of this type of a gift before and was very intrigued with the entire concept!”

Al then coordinated the details to structure her planned gift. Janet receives steady income from the trust, and upon her eventual death the principal will be used to support cancer research programs at Fox Chase.

Many years later, Janet is still pleased with her planned gift. “I cannot imagine that we could have created a more fulfilling option for both my heart and my wish to thank Fox Chase!”