Leave a Gift in your Will to the Heart Research Institute Hearts for eternity
Without the research and the technology that s available, I definitely wouldn t be alive today. John Evans, 75 In 1990, an angiogram found three major blockages in John s arteries. Triple bypass surgery, numerous hospital visits and a number of stents have given John an extra 25 years. That s time spent doing the things he loves spending time with his wife Elizabeth, their three children and five grandchildren, and enjoying his garden. 1
A message from our Director of Cardiovascular Research In a climate of uncertain scientific funding I can t express enough how valuable your support is in giving our scientists the funding to pursue their investigations. This greater level of certainty adds significantly to the quantity and quality of our efforts. I invite you to continue this wonderful journey with me and the talented scientists at the Heart Research Institute, because with your support we can find solutions to Australia s and the world s number one killer cardiovascular disease. Professor Shaun Jackson MBBS PHD FRACP Director of Cardiovascular Research The Heart Research Institute Thank you for considering a Gift in your Will to the Heart Research Institute. Our Mission The Heart Research Institute is a world-class research institute and a hub for scientific excellence in cardiovascular research. Our scientists are focused on understanding the causes and complications of cardiovascular disease and are at the forefront of conducting innovative research to prevent, detect and treat the world s number one killer. 2
3 Zohra Kakall, High Blood Pressure Group
Heart Research gives back time Prevention 90 per cent of Australians have one modifiable risk factor for heart disease. We re investing in a future free from cardiovascular disease. Detection Cardiovascular disease affects two in three families and tears families apart. Early detection can mean the difference between life and death. Treatment Every 12 minutes an Australian dies from cardiovascular disease. Today s research is tomorrow s cure. Why support the Heart Research Institute? Cardiovascular disease is one of the world's most pressing health problems. It currently kills more Australians than any other disease and affects two in three Australian families. Growing epidemics of diabetes and obesity mean the number of people affected by heart disease in Australia is expected to surge. That s why supporting heart research into the future is so vital. Eighty-five per cent of our funding for research comes from public donations. By leaving a gift in your Will, you will be helping prevent, detect and treat cardiovascular disease for generations to come. 4
5 Scott Genner, Vascular Complications Group
Research breakthroughs save lives In a world first, researchers at the Heart Research Institute are inventing a stent coating that tricks the body into treating stents like normal tissue rather than as a foreign invader. Our mission is to develop the next generation of bioactive materials materials that can bond to living tissues and provide better treatment options for those with cardiovascular disease. We foresee a day when you can leave hospital without medication and you can have a stent that you know is going to integrate very well with your body and not have the long-term risks and consequences that the current ones do. Dr Steve Wise PhD, BSc (Hons), Applied Materials Group Leader 6
Hearts for Eternity If you choose to leave a Gift in your Will to the Heart Research Institute, you will be provided with the opportunity to join our Hearts for Eternity legacy club. Hearts for Eternity members are generous benefactors who provide the long-term funding needed to uncover scientific breakthroughs. Through this club, we seek to recognise the generosity of our supporters, by providing opportunities for you to tour our laboratories and see our research first-hand; and attend special functions to meet our researchers and other Australians who share your vision of a future without heart disease. To show our deep appreciation for your generosity, the Heart Research Institute is launching the Hearts for Eternity sculpture, which will be situated in the foyer of the Heart Research Institute. Find out more about this on page 12. eternity Hearts for 7
Meet Richard As a Hearts for Eternity supporter, I like the idea that once I m gone I ll be able to keep supporting an organisation that I ve already been supporting for many years. I ve also been sure to let my family know that these are my wishes, and they fully support my decision. Richard Wylie 8
How to leave a Gift in your Will A Gift in your Will can be included when you first make your Will or can be added to your existing Will as a codicil. If you do not yet have a Will, contact a solicitor about drawing one up. While some people draft their own Wills using kits online or bought from a newsagency or post office, a solicitor will ensure all requirements are fulfilled in order for your Will to be valid. If you do have a Will, a codicil a short legal amendment can be a cost-effective way to include a Gift in your Will to the Heart Research Institute. Contact your solicitor about including a codicil in your Will. Talk to your family If you are planning on leaving a Gift in your Will make sure you talk to your family about your intentions. Family comes first and it s important your loved ones know about your desire to support the Heart Research Institute so they can fulfill your wishes. 9
Why have a Will? Your Will is one of the most important documents you will ever prepare. Having your personal affairs in order protects the interests of your family and other beneficiaries and ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes. Without a Will, your estate is governed by State law which determines how your assets are distributed. Making a Will helps your family avoid unnecessary heartache and additional expense after you re gone. It also gives you the opportunity to remember the causes that are close to your heart. Leaving a Gift in your Will to the Heart Research Institute allows you to continue to support life-saving research after you re gone. We re here to help you every step of the way. 10
Lynette and Ron have chosen to leave a Gift in their Will to the Heart Research Institute We would like to start by quoting the great Helen Keller: Nothing can be done without hope and confidence. Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much. We are happy and proud to be Bequest Donors to the Heart Research Institute to assist in their invaluable work in maintaining a healthy and happy Australia. Lynette and Ron Hammonds 11
The Hearts for Eternity sculpture As a tribute to your generosity and ongoing legacy, the Heart Research Institute is launching the Hearts for Eternity sculpture, which will be situated within the grounds of the Heart Research Institute. Your name will be engraved on a heart and added to the installation, honouring your legacy through this beautiful work of art. Any requests to remain anonymous will be respected. 12
Choosing a Gift to leave in your Will You can leave a Gift in your Will in a variety of ways. Discuss these options with your family and your solicitor to work out what works best for you. A Pecuniary Gift This is a gift of a fixed sum of money made to the Heart Research Institute. A Residual Gift With this type of gift the Heart Research Institute receives the balance of the estate after those specifically named in the Will have been provided for. A Specific Gift This type of gift enables you to leave a specific cash amount or other asset to the Heart Research Institute. A Percentage Gift This can be any percentage of your total estate up to 100 per cent. This type of gift enables you to share your estate among several people or organisations without specifying the property or amounts. 13
Wording for your Will To leave a bequest to the Heart Research Institute, we recommend the following wording: I give to the Heart Research Institute, 7 Eliza St, Newtown NSW 2042, ABN 41 003 209 952, (a percentage), or (a specific sum or piece of property), or (my whole estate) or (the residue of my estate) free from all duties to be used for the general purposes of the Heart Research Institute. A receipt from the treasurer or other authorised person to my executor shall be a complete and sufficient discharge for the payment of such benefit. If you have left a Gift in your Will to the Heart Research Institute, please do let us and your family know. This does not alter your right to change or update your wishes if circumstances change, but does help us to recognise your support, plan for the future and ensure that your wishes are carried out. 14
Contact us If you require any further information, please contact the Heart Research Institute s Gift in Wills Officer for a confidential and friendly chat: Laura Petroccitto Gift in Wills Officer Freecall 1800 651 373 giftinwills@hri.org.au www.hri.org.au Our registered address: The Heart Research Institute 7 Eliza St, Newtown, NSW 2042 Our ABN 41 003 209 952 Hearts for eternity