Giving With Gratitude

Patty and John Chisano with their grandson Zachary.

John and Patty Chisano with their grandson Zachary

Two of our generous supporters, Patty and John Chisano, have added our organization to their estate plan in recognition of the excellent service they’ve received from our physicians. We’re honored to share their thoughts:

Princeton Medical Center is a place we feel safe with regard to healthcare.

It began with Dr. Anne Swedlund, and I can still remember the day I visited with her in the old hospital on Witherspoon. I searched endlessly for a person with extensive gastrointestinal knowledge who could monitor me as I aged. Winning the battle against Wilms tumor at 3 years old in the 1950s and having extensive radiation therapy has left me with health problems that now require physicians who may have to think outside the box.

[The right physician must] be extremely caring [and have] an understanding of what my body has been through and what I could possibly face in the future. The doctors have to be smart and on top of their game. Dr. Swedlund was that person. She swept up all my notes that day [of my first visit] and has monitored my care since. She cares for my husband now, too, and has been instrumental in ensuring that he receives the care he needs.

The thing about Dr. Swedlund is, I believe she is this dedicated to all those she provides care to. She is just one of many physicians to list who provide a quality of life for John and me, as well as our family. Thank you for sharing yourself with us. Thank you for caring for us like we were a part of your family. This is why we give to Princeton Medical Center Foundation every year and it is why we have decided to give through our estate plans.

Create Your Legacy

We are honored and grateful for the support of those like Patty and John Chisano. If you would like to learn more about creating your legacy and becoming a member of the 1919 Society, contact Danielle Oviedo at 609.252.8709 or danielle.oviedo@pennmedicine.upenn.edu.

A charitable bequest is one or two sentences in your will or living trust that leave to Princeton Medical Center Foundation a specific item, an amount of money, a gift contingent upon certain events or a percentage of your estate.

an individual or organization designated to receive benefits or funds under a will or other contract, such as an insurance policy, trust or retirement plan

"I hereby give, devise and bequeath to the Trustees of Princeton Healthcare System Foundation, a nonprofit corporation organized and operating under the laws of the State of New Jersey and located in Plainsboro, New Jersey, the sum of $____________ [or percentage of your estate or a specific description of the gift] to be used by Princeton Medicine [describe the purpose of gift her, if desired]."

able to be changed or cancelled

A revocable living trust is set up during your lifetime and can be revoked at any time before death. They allow assets held in the trust to pass directly to beneficiaries without probate court proceedings and can also reduce federal estate taxes.

cannot be changed or cancelled

tax on gifts generally paid by the person making the gift rather than the recipient

the original value of an asset, such as stock, before its appreciation or depreciation

the growth in value of an asset like stock or real estate since the original purchase

the price a willing buyer and willing seller can agree on

The person receiving the gift annuity payments.

the part of an estate left after debts, taxes and specific bequests have been paid

a written and properly witnessed legal change to a will

the person named in a will to manage the estate, collect the property, pay any debt, and distribute property according to the will

A donor advised fund is an account that you set up but which is managed by a nonprofit organization. You contribute to the account, which grows tax-free. You can recommend how much (and how often) you want to distribute money from that fund to Princeton Medical Center or other charities. You cannot direct the gifts.

An endowed gift can create a new endowment or add to an existing endowment. The principal of the endowment is invested and a portion of the principal’s earnings are used each year to support our mission.

Tax on the growth in value of an asset—such as real estate or stock—since its original purchase.

Securities, real estate or any other property having a fair market value greater than its original purchase price.

Real estate can be a personal residence, vacation home, timeshare property, farm, commercial property or undeveloped land.

A charitable remainder trust provides you or other named individuals income each year for life or a period not exceeding 20 years from assets you give to the trust you create.

You give assets to a trust that pays our organization set payments for a number of years, which you choose. The longer the length of time, the better the potential tax savings to you. When the term is up, the remaining trust assets go to you, your family or other beneficiaries you select. This is an excellent way to transfer property to family members at a minimal cost.

You fund this type of trust with cash or appreciated assets—and may qualify for a federal income tax charitable deduction when you itemize. You can also make additional gifts; each one also qualifies for a tax deduction. The trust pays you, each year, a variable amount based on a fixed percentage of the fair market value of the trust assets. When the trust terminates, the remaining principal goes to Princeton Medical Center as a lump sum.

You fund this trust with cash or appreciated assets—and may qualify for a federal income tax charitable deduction when you itemize. Each year the trust pays you or another named individual the same dollar amount you choose at the start. When the trust terminates, the remaining principal goes to Princeton Medical Center as a lump sum.

A beneficiary designation clearly identifies how specific assets will be distributed after your death.

A charitable gift annuity involves a simple contract between you and Princeton Medical Center where you agree to make a gift to Princeton Medical Center and we, in return, agree to pay you (and someone else, if you choose) a fixed amount each year for the rest of your life.

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