Lightning can strike twice
This week is Include a Charity Week, an Australian campaign designed to encourage more people to think about remembering their favourite charities in their Wills.
Linda and Terry's gratitude for one of their favourite charities knows no bounds. Their younger son, who turns 50 next year, was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy when he was in his late 20s. Thankfully, the cardiologists at The Alfred found the right medication for him and surgical intervention was unnecessary. All these years on, he is well and healthy.
As Linda says, lightning never strikes twice, but 20 years later their older son suddenly became very sick with a different type of heart failure, also finding himself at The Alfred. After a multitude of tests, it soon became clear that he would need a heart transplant. However, before that could happen, he needed to have surgery to have two ventricular assist devices (mechanical heart pumps) stitched. This incredible technology kept him healthy enough to ultimately receive the new organ.
Linda recalls there were many ups and downs. Finally, after seven months living with the heart pumps, a suitable donor heart became available, Linda and Terry's son is now back to his old self and the family feels untold gratitude.
At the same time, Lind a admits, there is also a certain sadness in knowing that in order for their son to live, someone else had passed away.
"We decided to gift the hospital upon our passing. Our sons are very supportive of this. The Alfred saved both our boys and we will be eternally grateful for all the kindness, compassion and expertise they received, " Linda said.
If you would like to include a gift to The Alfred in your Will or find out more information, please visit our webpage or get in touch with our friendly Gifts in Wills team on 03 9076 3222 or email giftinwill@alfred.org.au
Including a gift in your Will to The Alfred helps to ensure your support for the hospital can continue for years to come and leaves a wonderful legacy of hope and life-saving care.
