Jennifer’s gift of hope for the future

Jennifer was only nine when her father sadly passed away over 50 years ago from heart complications. Although she didn't get to experience his treatment first-hand, Jennifer feels comforted by the care he received at The Alfred.

“It means so much to me that my father was so well cared for," said Jennifer. "The hospital is an amazing place of care, hope, and healing.”

At the initiative of her eldest brother Peter, Jennifer and Peter were able to participate in a clinical trial at The Alfred Heart Centre, having discovered that they had inherited familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), resulting in high cholesterol levels. Their middle brother David also received treatment at The Alfred, including the insertion of a number of heart stents.

The family all remain as outpatients at The Alfred to this day, their lives forever changed by the innovative treatment made available to them.

“My siblings and I have now lived beyond the age that both our parents died at, which is a very sobering thought,” says Jennifer.

It was after becoming a patient at The Alfred Heart Centre, Jennifer made the decision to begin donating to the hospital by way of saying thank you.

Several years later, Jennifer’s husband Bruce suffered a severe stroke. Thanks to lifesaving surgery and treatment in The Alfred Intensive Care Unit followed by a year of rehabilitation at our Caulfield hospital, Bruce was able to return home to Jennifer and continue sharing cherished family moments together.

“As you can see, for reasons not chosen by me, The Alfred has played a large part in my life.” 

“By including a gift to The Alfred in my Will in tribute to the care my father and husband received, I know I can help The Alfred continue being the incredible place that it is, helping so many others.”

If you would like to include a gift to The Alfred in your Will in memory or celebration of a loved one, simply speak to your solicitor about it the next time you’re updating your Will. For more information and to receive a helpful booklet all about including a gift to The Alfred in your Will, please get in touch with Ross or Sue on 1800 888 878, email giftinwill@alfred.org.au or visit our website www.alfredhealth.org.au/the-alfred-foundation/give/leave-a-gift-in-your-will

To find out how you can help support The Alfred this Father's Day, visit our current appeal www.alfredhealth.org.au/the-alfred-foundation/taf-current-appeal