NC4K Grandmother Debbie shares the story behind her cousin Jean’s planned gift

If you take a look at the image above, you’ll see one of the most magical moments of this year’s Pure Imagination Fashion Show. NC4K Hero Aiden, dressed in a fantastic Willy Wonka costume, accompanies his grandmother, Debbie, on stage as she shares with the audience about her cousin, Jean. Jean passed away in late 2023 and left a planned gift for NC4K, which Debbie, as executor of the estate, anticipates will amount to over $60,000. During a later conversation with Debbie, we learned that Jean’s decision to make this generous gift came after hearing firsthand about Aiden’s meaningful experiences with NC4K.

Aiden was diagnosed with cancer when he was just two and a half years old. After realizing that he was unable to move his legs, his parents brought him to Nationwide Children's Hospital, and a series of tests and blood work confirmed that Aiden had leukemia.

The initial shock and the journey that followed were devastating. “There was one time we almost lost him,” Debbie says. “The doctors said they had done everything that they could possibly do and it was pretty much in the hands of God...those are the things that were so, so hard on us.”

After more than three years of treatment, Aiden rang the bell in March 2021. Now, at nine years old, he participates in a Bible study group, baseball, and basketball, and recently placed third at a swim meet after joining the team earlier this year. He has made several friends with other children he’s met throughout his cancer journey and is actively involved in the NC4K community.

“Aiden’s been to every single one of [the Fashion Shows],” Debbie tells us. “He loves it...even the one when COVID hit, and we had the video of him at home...he is definitely a people person. He's not afraid to talk. I mean, if I would have asked him to say something up on the stage that day [at the Pure Imagination Fashion Show], he would've. He has no fear, and very, very knowledgeable about all of his history and all of his treatments…he’s like a walking book of knowledge.”

Debbie is close with Aiden and loves to attend NC4K events with him and his family: “It makes me feel so good to be able to do things for these kids, because I’ve seen them at the hospital and how hard they try and how hard they fight.”

She goes on to say: “Knowing now, firsthand, how much these kids need help, whether it be for happy reasons, or uplifting because they are so down and so sick and everything, or to help the parents get through- I think that’s why I like all the different functions that [NC4K does], because it’s happy times for these kids, it’s not the sad times.”

Debbie was very close with her cousin Jean, who worked as a grade school teacher in Cleveland. Once Jean was diagnosed with dementia, Debbie, Aiden, and Aiden’s parents visited her, and Debbie says that she was very taken with Aiden. She asked about what organizations helped him through his cancer diagnosis, and after learning about NC4K, our events for play, and the joy they bring to Aiden and his family, she made the decision to leave us an incredibly generous gift.

“I am so thankful that Jean chose who she chose to leave money to,” Debbie says.

Choosing to leave a planned gift is a deeply personal and impactful way to support families navigating the challenges of a childhood cancer diagnosis. If you or a loved one are considering including a planned gift in your estate plans, we encourage you to contact Mandy Powell, Executive Director, at [email protected] or (614) 300-3995. We would be honored to work with you to create a thoughtful and collaborative process that aligns with the legacy you wish to leave.

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As the year comes to a close and you reflect on your charitable giving, we want to share some additional opportunities to support NC4K Families:

Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)

A Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) is a direct transfer of funds from your IRA to a qualified charity. QCDs are available to individuals aged 70 1/2 or older and allow you to donate up to $105,000 annually, tax-free. One of the key benefits of a QCD is that the amount transferred counts toward your required minimum distribution (RMD) if you’re at least 73 years old, potentially reducing your taxable income for the year.

If you wish to make a QCD for 2024, you should contact your IRA trustee soon so they will have time to complete the transaction before the end of the year.

Donor-Advised Fund (DAF)

A Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) is a charitable giving account that allows you to manage all your donations in one place and support multiple organizations over time by requesting grants. When you contribute to a DAF, you receive an immediate tax deduction and can donate appreciated assets without incurring capital gains taxes.

Stocks

By donating stocks, you can avoid paying capital gains taxes on their increased value, and you may qualify for a charitable tax deduction. This is an efficient way to maximize your impact and minimize your tax burden.

Questions? Reach out to Mandy Powell, Executive Director, at [email protected] or (614) 300-3995.