Legacy Giving: A Story of Gratitude and the Power of Lasting Impact
Supporting the advancement of Sunnybrook’s life-saving work through Legacy Giving.
For Kathy Dingwall, the decision to undergo a critical surgery at Sunnybrook was not made lightly. But when Dr. Joseph Chen, a surgeon at Sunnybrook, assured her that he would work to ensure the intricate procedure did not compromise her facial nerve, Kathy felt a profound sense of relief.
“Dr. Chen’s skill was incredible,” recalls Bill, Kathy’s husband. “It was a complicated surgery, but he was able to save Kathy’s facial nerve and her smile.”
Then 24 hours later, Kathy’s life was saved again when they were able to address serious pulmonary embolisms. “The care we received was nothing short of extraordinary,” says Bill. It was during this time that Bill began to think deeply about how they could give back to the hospital that had not only saved her life but also ensured her quality of life in the process.
The couple’s gratitude grew stronger as they learned about the innovations in care that were made possible through philanthropic support. Inspired by this, Kathy and Bill decided to make a donation to Sunnybrook to help fund the purchase of sequential compression devices used in trauma care. This device has become a critical part of Sunnybrook's trauma protocols, ensuring that patients receive the highest level of care with less risk of complications. “Knowing that our donation played a part in that, and that it has helped improve care for so many others, is incredibly rewarding,” says Bill.
Kathy and Bill wanted to expand their impact and make a difference that would enable the teams at Sunnybrook to continue to advance their life-saving work for generations to come. In that moment, they decided to create a legacy gift—an opportunity to leave a lasting mark on the hospital’s future. Legacy giving is the thoughtful decision to include a bequest for Sunnybrook through your Will or estate plan.
For Kathy and Bill, legacy giving is about ensuring Sunnybrook’s long-term sustainability, so we can continue to provide the specialized care that saved Kathy’s life and benefit future generations of patients in need. They are proud to know that their legacy gift will help fund groundbreaking research and improve patient care for years to come. “Whether it's funding new technologies or supporting specific departments, we know that our donations are having a direct impact on patient outcomes,” says Kathy.
Legacy giving is more than a financial contribution. As Kathy and Bill understand, it is a meaningful way to create lasting change, ensuring that life-saving care, leading technology, and world-class expertise continue to thrive at Sunnybrook.
To learn more about how you can give a gift to Sunnybrook in your will, contact christa.kelly@sunnybrook.ca or visit our website to learn more about giving a gift in your will or estate plan.
