By establishing charitable gift annuities (CGAs), Jim and Martha Dow enjoy annual payments and will eventually support cardiothoracic research and patient care.
Jim Dow, who has always been physically active, developed a serious type of heart disease in 2007, and by 2009 his doctors in Virginia thought he needed a heart transplant to survive. They sought the advice of Ralph Damiano Jr., MD, chief of the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Washington University School of Medicine and Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis.
Dr. Damiano believed he could treat Jim’s heart condition through an advanced surgical technique rather than a transplant. He recommended that Jim and his wife, Martha, travel to St. Louis for the procedure. They took Dr. Damiano’s advice and the surgery was successful.
“Although there was a lengthy recovery period, I’m feeling fine today thanks to Dr. Damiano, the cardiac team and Jesus’ ability to heal all,” Jim says referring to the Bible verse Matthew 4:23-25 that gave him comfort and hope throughout his treatment.
“The care I received at Barnes-Jewish Hospital was excellent. Barnes-Jewish Hospital rises over the top,” says Jim. “My wife says I’m just as ornery as I used to be. We still ski, sail and hike.”
To show their gratitude, Jim and Martha have created several charitable gift annuities that will ultimately support the Cardiothoracic Special Needs Fund at The Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital.
“Barnes-Jewish Hospital is a wonderful organization, and the annuities will help fund research and pay for the expenses of those who cannot afford heart surgery,” says Martha.
Jim suggested that anyone thinking about making a legacy gift consider a charitable gift annuity (CGA). A CGA provides fixed lifetime payments to the donor, another person or both with the remainder supporting a favorite cause.
“The economics are nice, but the giving is wonderful. It all comes from the heart,” he says. “There’s such a good feeling that goes along with giving out of love for humanity and for what people are doing in the medical world.”
Create a Secure Future
When you create a CGA with The Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital, you help ensure the future of our partners while receiving fixed payments for life. Contact Joan Cheaney, CFRE, at 314-286-0704 or PlannedGiving@BJC.org to learn more today.