Meet the Faces of Philanthropy Louise and Paul Spray: A Legacy of Giving Jim Talley: A Flexible Way to Give...And Receive Susan French: Caring for the Future John Moxham: Supporting the Charitable Gift Annuity

Caring for the future

Susan French

Susan French is a woman who defines the phrase "full of life." Whether she is teaching fitness classes at the Fort Sanders Health and Fitness Center or volunteering at the Knoxville Symphony League, Knoxville Museum of Art Guild, United Way and others, Susan lives life with gusto and passion.

She is also a woman who has known heartbreak - her husband of just a few short years passed away at a much too early age.

"The diagnosis was devastating but George and I did make the most of the time we had together," says Ms. French. Part of this time was spent in planning for her future.

According to Ms. French, "I wanted to fight the disease which claimed my husband, so I looked at what I possessed and decided to make a gift from my retirement plan to benefit the Thompson Cancer Survival Center. 'Never give up' became George's motto and now it's my motto, to never give up and always try to make a difference."

Naming a charity as a primary or secondary beneficiary of your retirement plan is a good way to minimize taxes and still know that when you are finished using your well-earned retirement dollars, what is left will benefit the Methodist Medical Center Foundation. Ask your retirement plan administrator for a Change of Beneficiary form, and indicate the amount or percentage you would like to go to MMC. Let us know so that we can thank you for this most generous gift that will benefit many in the years to come.

"It's an easy way to make a difference," says Ms. French.