the torch Spring 2016, Issue 1 | Page 15

Goodrums leave lasting legacy No one at Baylor Health Care System would remember Opal and Ellis Goodrum. However, their Baylor story defined their lives. In 1992, their only son, Craig, died from brain cancer at age 46. Paul Rowlett, grand-nephew and executor of their estate, said the Goodrums never fully recovered after Craig’s death, but were very grateful for Baylor’s care. Last year, Opal and Ellis, both in their 90s and married 75 years, died within four days of each other. During their lives, the Goodrums expressed gratitude to Baylor in ways appropriate for them. Over nine years they made 23 gifts totaling $660. Their largest gift was $50, the smallest $15. But their desire to support Baylor’s fight against cancer was obviously on their minds when they had their wills prepared. Last fall, Paul notified Baylor Health Care System Foundation that his great aunt and uncle had left a bequest to Baylor for cancer research. In December, we received the bequest of $134,000, which represented a significant portion of the Goodrums’ estate. For many donors, their largest gifts will come from their estates, whether through a last will and testament, proceeds from an IRA, retirement plan or insurance policy. For this reason, estate gifts are often several times the amount of an individual’s lifetime gifts to causes that are deeply meaningful to them. Karen Fink, M.D. Ph.