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 In 1996, Frances Wade was in the late stage of Alzheimer's. She asked her daughter Mary Frances to make a promise - to do whatever she could to help people who were dealing with the challenges of Alzheimer's disease. Mary Frances agreed. She saw first hand how the disease slowly but surely took her mother farther and farther away. She also witnessed the effects the disease had on her father, Oliver, her mother's devoted caregiver.
Mary Frances Newsome, a resident of Franklin, Virginia was the dutiful daughter. She was by her mother's side until her passing. Mary Frances then with unending support from her husband Jimmy turned the promise into action.
Mary Frances contacted Alzheimer's Association's Southeastern Virginia Chapter. Before long, she began facilitating a support group for caregivers and was appointed to the Chapter's board of directors. She was also the catalyst in establishing a branch office in Franklin and served as the office's first Education Outreach Coordinator.
In 2000, Mary Frances was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's. For most, such a diagnosis would be debilitating, but for Mary Frances it fueled her commitment further. She became an even more active advocate and ambassador for Alzheimer's individuals and their families.
Mary Frances and Jimmy certainly kept their promise, but felt something was missing. They not only wanted to provide help for today; they wanted to be part of creating the hope of a world without Alzheimer's for tomorrow. They felt the best way to accomplish that was by making a bequest.
With the help of an elder law attorney, they named the Alzheimer's Association as a beneficiary in their will. Mary Frances said the process was simple and very gratifying. "It made us feel very good; it provides a legacy for our family. It is a wonderful way to keep a loved one's memory alive," Mary Frances compassionately states.
Both Mary Frances and Jimmy (whose mother is currently struggling with Alzheimer's) hope that "in the long-range future, the money will accomplish two things: find a cure and help families cope with the daily challenges of the disease." In the meantime, Mary Frances continues to be extremely active, feels good, and is taking advantage of current treatments. She keeps the memory of her mother and father alive by the difference she makes everyday in the lives of Alzheimer's families.
"By making a bequest," Mary Frances says, " you make a difference for a lifetime."
Leaving a bequest in your will is an easy and convenient way to leave a legacy for future generations. Your gift to the Alzheimer's Association will help defeat Alzheimer's disease by supporting the Association as it funds critical research and urgently needed support programs and services.
The example language below can be taken to your attorney and included in your will or trust. You might find it helpful to select the "print" button on the top of your screen to print this page. If you or your attorney have any questions, please contact the Planned Gifts department, toll-free, at (866) 233-5148 or by e-mailing plannedgifts@alz.org.
Example bequest language
"I give to the Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association, Inc. (the Alzheimer's Association), whose national office address is 225 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1700, Chicago, IL 60601-7633, _______ (insert either dollar amount or a percentage) in support of its full mission."
You may print a Bequest tri-fold brochure. Voice of a Legacy or Will Your Will be Known.
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