Beyond the Horizon: Leaving a Lasting Legacy of Compassion

My mother always had a profound sensitivity to the reality of death—an insight shaped by her 50-plus years in healthcare, where she witnessed countless lives end without the preparation needed to ease their passing. She saw that while hospitals could offer emotional and spiritual support during the crisis of loss, the financial burdens often remained, leaving families unprepared for the inevitable.

Inspired by these experiences, my mother began planning for her own end-of-life journey at the relatively young age of 42. She meticulously arranged her funeral service, delved into books on coping with terminal diagnoses, and made a point of sharing joy and engaging meaningfully in her relationships. Although she was not wealthy, she met with a financial planner to secure her future well into her 80s and 90s.

When asked about her life’s priorities, my mom, a veteran of Christian ministry, revealed that her heart was not only with the Church but also with cross-cultural work that could continue to make a difference long after she was gone. Determined to leave a lasting imprint of love and compassion, she crafted her will to include meaningful contributions to four of her favorite charities, ensuring that her legacy would continue to enrich the lives of others.

This is the power of legacy giving.

Even before reaching middle age and with modest means, my mom ensured that her life would be remembered for its compassion and commitment to helping people across the globe. Inspired by her example, my husband and I have established our own legacy plans, and we have encouraged our adult children to consider following in these footsteps.

Legacy giving matters because it enables us to make a lasting impact on the causes we hold dear, even after our time has passed. It sustains vital organizations, perpetuates our values, and—beyond any personal benefits like tax advantages—honors our loved ones through an enduring act of philanthropy.

Imagine making a difference that endures:  

  • Ensuring that poor and marginalized children in India receive an English education that transforms their lives.  
  • Providing continuous healthcare for communities long forgotten.  
  • Rescuing even more women and girls from the horrors of trafficking born from financial or cultural desperation.

Legacy giving plans made today will reach far into the future, touching lives of those not yet born and brightening the path toward a more empowered world.

DFN is here to help you shape your legacy. Contact Leah Kadwell, DFN’s Director of Philanthropy, for an informational call that could transform lives and help build a future where all are free.